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PRINCETON,    N.  J. 

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iWininer,  Examiml 

OR  '   rf**~ 

GlLBERT      TeNNENT,1: 
A  R  M  0  N  I  0  U^i^ 

g\  ^BJ  ^Vnfwer  _o  a    Pamphlet*  entitle^^^^r 

1'he   EXAMINER, 
G IL BE  R  Tngamft  TENNENT' 

Being  a   Vindication  of  the  Rev.  Gilbert', 
TtNNENT     and    his   Aflbciates,   together   -with  - 
fix  Rev.    Minifters   of  &cf?on3  from  tb$  unjnft   Re- 
flections caft  upon  them  by  the  Auchor  of"  that  Ano- 
nymous Pamphlet,  together  with  ibme  Remarks  upon 
the  QUERIST'S,  the  third  Part,  and  other  of  thek 
"Performances. 
I  The  Whole  being  an  EfTay   to    vindicate  the  late- 
Glorious    Work   of  God's  Power    and   Grace  f 
in    thefe  Lands,  from  the   unreafonable  Cavils  and 
Esceptions   of    faid  Pamphlet,    and  others  ct  like 
Nature. 

The  whole  EfTay  is  fubmitted  to   the  Decifion  of 
Truth"  and  Common  Senfe. 
»— ^— — „  f ., 

By  GILBERT'TENKENT,  A.  M 

Prov.  i  S.  i  7.  He  that  is  firfi  in  his  own  Craft  feemetk 
Jaj}»  but  his  Neighbour  ccmcth  ana  fearcheth  Urn. 

"Math.  7.  1.  Judvenct,  that  ye  be  not  Judged. 

Job  14.  5,  6.  Zhou  choofe/i  the  dengue  of tfa  Crafty  ; 
thr.e  own  Mouth  Condemneth  thee,  ?.st  I;  yea  thine  own 
Lips  tejtijy.  again  ft  the .  ^    ^ 

Luke  19.  22.  Out  of  thine  own  Month  will  I  jfudg* 
P  thee,   thou  wicked  Servant.  ^J^ 

Pfal.  120.  3.  iVhatfoallbs  given  unto  thee  ?  *r  whtf 
frail  be  done  unto  thee,   thort  fatfe  Itngue. 

PHILADELPHIA:  Printed  and  Sold  by  Willi- 
am    Bradford,  at  t);e  Sign  of  the 
in  StcevdoStrKt    1743. 


Candid  Reader} 
The  Reaibns  of  the  Pro 
lixityjifthisPreformance 
^namely  tjjjyju- 
merdumefs  of  tnccnar- 
ges  mention'd  by  the  Ex- 
aminer, and  the  Necef- 
iity  I  was  under  to  cite 
many  Paragraphs  o£  my 
other  Writings,  in  order 
with  the  greater  clear- 
nefs,  to  remove  his  pre- 
tended Objections,  of 
Self-con tradiction.  May 
the  good  God  blefs  this^ 
Eflay  for  the  good  of 
his  Church.  I  remain 
thy  Servant  forChrifts  fake. 

G.  TennenL 


A 


Exateiner,    ,  J^amined^ 

Gilbert    Tennent, 
harmonious. 


IT  is  ftrange  to  think  how  the  mod  generous 
and  noble  Actions,  thro'  the  Force  of  fome 
Craft  and  Artifice,  aililted  with  Prejudice  - 
and  Falihood,  may  be  reprefented  in  the 
darkeft  Drefs,  as  if  they  were  Vices  of  the 
mo  ft  fordid  kind. 

Seeing  I  am  called  to  fjpeak  in  my  own  Defence,  I 
hope  the  Reader  will  excufc  my  faying  as  follows, 
l'iz  Thar  I  never  undertook  any  Thing  with  a. 
deeper  Senfe  of  my  own  Weaknefs,  and  a  Sincerer 
Intention,  to  God's  Glory  and  his  Kingdoms  Good  ; 
then  my  Journey  to  Ne-iv- England  :  And  never  un-  - 
derwent  luch  hardfhips  by  Reafon  of  the  intenfe- 
Cold,  frequent  Travel,  and  continual  Labours  as 
there.  So  that  I  am  like  to  feel!  t^Ii  fleets  thereof 
to  my  Death,  having  thereby  contracted  a  hardnels 
of  hearing,  with  other  bodily  Diforders.  But  that 
which  Comforts  me  under  thofe  Infirmity*  is  this, 
that  the  Eternal  God  was  vifibly  with  me  in  thac 
Journey,  in  fealing  my  Labours  with  furprizing 
and  manifold  SucceiTes,  (Glor  y  to  his  Name) 
jn  the  Conviction  and  Converlhn  ok  many  Sinners  to 
God  ;  which  fome  of  the  molt  eminent  for  Piety 
and  Learning  in  New-Englatidy  have  already  born  ex- 
prefs  Testimony  to,  and  many  Thouiands  nioie 
wn.  A  2  Btj? 


%          The  Examines,  Examined. 

But  behold  the  Reward  our  Anonymous  Author  U 
pleafed  to  confer  unpon  me,  and  that  under  the 
j'uife  of  Charity,  is  ridicule,  jlander,  and  i?i- 
lecliie.  What,  could  not  his  Charity  extend  to 
ipeak  one  favourable  Word  of  that  Journey,  for 
-which  fo  many  have  with  good  Reafon  praifed  the 
blefied  God?  It  feems  not !  However,  it  is  my 
^ffPIWIlifce  under  all  that  load  of  Calumny, 
that  is  cafi  upon  me  by  the  Oppofers  of  God's 
Wo  r  x ,  that  Faithfulnefs  to  God  and  Succefs  in  lus 
S?r\'ic~>  v/ili  appear  in  their  own  proper  Light  ano- 
ther Day". 

Il  is  no  new  Thing  for  tht  Servants  of  God  to  be 
rradut'd  and  reprefented  as  the  Off-fcouring  of  the 
Earth.  Neither  is  it  unufual  for  his  Work  to  be 
cover M  with  Scandal  and  Contempt ,  and  afcrib'd  to  a 
bad  Caufe  -  And  confidering  the  native  Enmity  of 
the  Un  regenerate  againit  God  and  Goodnefs,  and 
the  Muirkude  of  fuch  that  are  in  the  World  of  e- 
very  Order,  we  needn't  be  furpm'd  at  fuch  Events,, 

If  we  will  approve  OUtfelves  Difciples  of 
Christ  indeed,  we  muft  expert  to  bear  his 
Oofs  :  And  truly,  according  to  the  common  Courfe 
of  Things,  the  more  txtenfive  Good  we  arc  enabled  to 
do,  we  muft expecr. to  bear  the  more  Reproach.  What 
tho'  we  be  found  in  Principle, Sincere  inHeart,  and  La- 
borious in  Life  to  promote  Christ's  Kingdom, 
yec  with  the  ji'po  files  and  other  primitive  Servants  of 
God,  we  fnall  be  look'd  upon  as  deceivers,  d/Jlurbers 
of  the  Peace  and  disorderly  Perfons.  For  as  it  was 
of  old  fo  ic  is  now,  He  that  ivas  Born  after  the  Fkjhy 
pre  fee  vied  him  that  was  Bom  after  the  Spirit.  Did  not 
Cain  hate  his  Brother  jnhel%  becaufe  his  own  Deeds 
•were  Evil  and  his  Brothers  Righteous  1  And  has 
not  our  Lord  told  us,  that  We  pall  be  hated,  becanfe 
nuearenot  of  the  World  ?  It  is  true  ungodly  Perfons 
in  every  Age,  cover  and  colour  their  fordid  Oppo- 
ir;^ on  ro  goodnefs  and  ufefulnefs,  with  artful  and 
plauftble  ApoHgy's,  to  prevent  the  Odium,  that 
\vou\i  olhcrwife  juftly  fail  upon    their  Character. 

*  *  -  I  T-»l 

Thej 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  5 

They  pretend  Diforders  in  Conduit,  and  Error  in 
Principle,  are  the  Grounds  thereof;  but  if  fo,  why 
don't  they  exert  their  Zeal  a&unft  fuch  Evils,  as 
well  as  Impieties  of  fhe  groffdt  Kind,  which  are 
flagrant  in  the  Practice  of  fome  of  their  Brethren  ? 
>io,  fuch  Things,  becaufc  of  the  Relation  fubftfting 
between  them,  are  pair  over  with  filencc  and  negli- 
gence '  While  the  Vermes  of  good  M^t^ttg^f^z  in 
the  Drefs  of  the  mod  crimfonlrppiccys,  &  their  minu- 
ted Foibles  agravatedby  the  Force  of  Sophiftry,  into 
ma ffy  Mountains  ;  as  well  as  the  moft  Falfe  and  in- 
vidious Charges  invented  and  propogated,  to  de- 
Jtroy  their  Characters  and  Ufefulnefs  ac  a  Stroke ! 
But  the  true  Caufe  of  all  the  mighty  Buftle,  which 
is  rais'd  in  every  period  of  Time,  againit  the  Work 
and  Servants  of  God,  is  induftrioufly  concealed,  and 
that  is,  the  Native  Enmity  of  natural  Men,  of  every 
Tribe  and  Order  againft    God  and  Holinefs. 

Well,  feeing  the  Cafe  is  {o,  we  muft  therefore 
with  Courage  and  Patience,  follow  our  deareft  Lord, 
thro'  good  Report  and  bad  Report,  and  consider  him 
nvho  evditr'd  the  Coyitradittion  of  Sinners  again  (i  himfe!f\ 
leaf  we  he  weary  and  Faint  in  our  kinds.  Tne  Com- 
munications of  our  Matter's  Love  to  us,  and  the  Con- 
icioufnefs  of  our  own  integrity,  together  with  the 
believing  Expectation  of  that  exceeding  and  eternal 
Weight  of  Glory,  which  is  fct  before  us,  does  and 
will  fweeten  ail  the  Sorrows  of  our  Srate  of  Pil- 
grimage !  And  therefore  we  may  Anfwer  the  ca- 
lumnious Oppofersas  Ckryfcjjom  the  threatning  Mef- 
fage  of  the  Emprefs  Eudoxia,  that  lie  fear  nothing  ijttf 
£:n.     {nil  niji  peccaturn  i:mco.) 

I  am  not  diifurbed  At  the  Author  of  this  Pamphlet:, 
for  examining  my  Sentiments  and  Conduct,  if  either 
of  them  upon  an  impartial  Tryal,  be  found  cenfur- 
nble,  let  them  be  condemned  in  the  mod  open  Man- 
ner. But  I  truftit  will  appear  by  what  follows, 
to  every  intelligent  and  impartial  Reader,  that  the 
Method  this  Gentleman  has  us'd  in  the  Compofure 
ojrfci*  Ex  ami tiei")  *is  exceptionable  aiidpanial.    I  hope 

I 


6  The  Exi  miner,  Examined. 
I  may  fay  to  the  Glory  of  God,  "without  the  Im- 
putation of  vain  Boafling,  that  I  am  fo  indifferent 
for  the  moft  Part,  refpecting  the  Opinion  of  the 
World,  as  to  my  Perfon  and  Performances,  and  fo 
fully  convinced  of  the  Vanity,  both  of  the  Praifes 
and  Cenfures,  of  the  moft  of  Mankind,  that  I  fliould 
have  given  myfelf  no  Trouble  to  oppofe  the  nume- 
rous Falacies  of  this  Performance,  had  I  not  been 
convinced  that  it  was  my  Duty  to  appear  now  in  the  , 
juft  Vindication  of  Gods  Work  and  Servants,  which 
are  therein  tradue'd. 

The  Examiner  offers  fome  Afperfions  concerning 
my  Journey  to  Isew-England,  which  I  know  in  my 
Conscience  to  be  Falfe,  which  being  perfonal  I 
tho't  I  was  under  a  greater  Advantage  to  detedt 

I  am  enga^'d  in  other  Work  for  God,  from 
which  I  am  with  fome  degree  of  Reluctance  di- 
verted by  thorny  Controveriy,  but  herein  I  muft 
deny   my   felf 

Candid  Reader,  I  muft  beg  leave  to  obferve  (enjxif- 
fent)  that  our  Cafe  of  late  and  at  prefent,  (in  this 
Country)  refpecting  the  Promotion  of  vital  Reli- 
gion, feems  very  much  to  referable* that  of  Fehenii- 
ahy  and  the  other  Builders  of  the  Wall  of  Jeru- 
falerrt,  in  the  Reign  oi^rfaxerxef,  who  were  much 
oppos'd  and  fomewhat  interrupted  in  their  Work, 
by  the  unreafonable  Fury  and  low  Arts  of  Sanbal- 
laty  and  his  AiTociates,  who  feoff 'd  at,  and  rag'd 
againd  the  Builders,  as  well  as  rais'd  falfe  Reports 
refpecting  their  Defign  and  Conduct.  It  is  report- 
ed among  the  Heathen  faid  they,  and  Gajhmu  fay- 
eth  it,  that  thu  and  the  Jews  think  to  rebel  ;  for  which 
cr.iffe  tlou  buitfeft  the  Hall:  They  likewiie  endea- 
vour'd  to  enlnare  them  by  Craft,  and  enter'd  int© 
a  deteftable  Conspiracy  to  ftop  the  Progrefs  of  the 
Work!  May  we  who  are  thro'  pure  Grace  upon 
God's  Side,  be  enabled  to  follow  l\ehemiah's  Ex- 
ample, in  fupplicating  Heaven  in  this  Imraergen-. 
cy,  and  we  may  hope  for  the  finifhing  of  the  Wall, 
notwithftandirg  all  that   the  Oppofejs  have   done, 

Oi 


The  E  x  a  i\i  l  n  e  R  *  E  x  a  m  t  n  r.  i> .  f 

or  can  do,  and  feeing  we  are  encompafs'd  with 
Enemy's  of  various  frorms,  viz.  The  Prophaney 
Fcrmalijls,  Etithujiafis,  and  Meretickst  let  us  with 
thofe  primitive  Builders  work  in  the  Wall  with 
one  Hand,  and  hold  a  Weapon  in  the  other.  See 
}\eb.  i.  a.  4.  &  6.  chap. 

But  to  come  nearer  to  the  Subject  of  our  pre- 
sent Enquirys,  I  can  fafely  declare,  that  I  have 
read  this  Examiner's  Performance,  as  well  as  o- 
thers  of  like  nature  fet  out  by  my  Opponents,  with 
a  willin^nefs  to  be  convinced  of  Error  in  Princi- 
ple or  Practice,  if  I  was  guilty  of  cither,  and  v.  irh 
a  Refolution  to  acknowledge  them  publickly,  ifl 
found  the  Cafe  fo.  For  I  think  that  Maxim  is 
mod  juft  viz.  fas  eft,  et  ah  hfle  doceriy  It  is  lawful 
to  be  injlrutted  even  by  an  Emmy.  And  a  Confeflk 
on  of  Errors  in  Judgment,  or  Evils  in  Practice, 
is  certainly  a  Debt  we  owe  to  Truth  and  Piety. 
But  after  the  molt  calm  and  impartial  Enquirys  I 
am  capable  of  making,  I  have  not  met  with  Con*- 
viction  by.  their  Arguments,  or  rather  Reflections, 
unlcfs  ic  bexfthe  Falfehood  and  Injuftice  of  their- 
Charges,  the  badnefs  of  their  Caufe,  and  the  ma-' 
lignity   of  their  Way  of  managing  it. 

In  particular  I  leave  it  to  the  Readers  Judgment,- 
whether  the  Examiner  has  not  acred  a  disingenuous 
Part  in  his  labouring  to  expofe  my  Name  to  con»- 
tempt,  while  in  the  mean-  Time  he  conceals  his 
own.  Let  him  ask  his  own  Conference,  whether 
he  has  done  in  this,  as  he  would  be  done  by  ? 
Ts  this  the  Charity y  which  he  fays  he  put  on  in  his 
hi  ft  Page,  then  truly  it  is  a  very  felfiili  Stamp,  for 
it  both  begins  and   ends  at  home  ? 

Here  let  me  obferve,  that  I  cannot  but  admi?c 
that  a  Perfon  of  our  Authors  Penetration,  mould 
make  fo  grofs  a  Blunder  in  the  Choice  of  his.  Name, 
why  mould  he  call  himfelf  Philalethes  or  a  lover  of 
Vrutby  while  he  makes  it  his  Buhnefs  to  confure 
his  Name,  by  his  Practice  in  this  Performance, 
to  which  it  is  prefixed  \  The  repeated  Falihoods 

with 


$  .  .  The  Examiner,  Examined, ' 
with  which  his  labour'd  Sheers  are  (turPd,  fuit  bet- 
ter, as  I  humbly  conceive,  a  contrary  Name  and 
Character,  namely  Jkifalethes,  or  a  hater  of  <Truth ; 
but  the  beft  Apology  I  can  make  (or  our  Author, 
is  that  his  Name  is  no:  proper  but  feign'd,  and 
that  perhaps  his  Defign  was  better  than  his  Per- 
formance, poflibly  he  might  be  lead  into  fome 
Miftakes,  by  Misinformation,  Inconiideration,  or 
ty  the  force  of  Prejudice  and  PafiRon. 

Bur  to  proceed,  the  Examine*-  tells  us  in  the  Be- 
ginning of  his  Performance,  "  When  I  had  read 
M  Mr.  G.  tfettnerrt's  three  firft  Sermons,  on  "Rev. 
i4  3.  3.  reprefenting  the  neceflity  of  holdiag  fart  the 
u  Truth,  with  the  Appendix,  relating  to  the  Mo- 
44  tavian  Errors,  &c.  I  immediately  reviewed  and 
,"  compar'd  them  wi:h  his  famous  Sermon  preach'd 
44  at  JSothigham,  upon  the  Danger  of  an  unconverted  Mi  - 
44  nijlry,  on  Mark  16.  44.  and  muft  confefs,  it  is  as 
4<  impoflible  to  reconcile  them  upon  Principles  of 
44  common  Senfe,  as  to  unite  the  two  Poles." 

Jtif  Were  I  of  this  Gentleman's  Opinion,  I 
wou'd  immediately  retract,,  in  the  mod  open  Man- 
ner ;  but  being  perfwaded  that  there  is  no  im- 
poffibility  in  the  Matter.  I  friall  therefore  eflay  to 
ihew  the  Harmony  that  is  between  them,  by  con- 
fiderinz     what   our   Author   has  faid   to  the   con- 


trary. 


Itfeems  fomething  odd,  that  immediately  after 
the  Examiner  had  put  on  as  he  tells  us  (  Pag.  t. ) 
Charity  which  is  not  eafiiy  proiok'd,  and  kpeth  all  Wings ', 
that  he  mould  ufe  fuch  Terms  ofc  Contempt  a> 
thefe,  viz.  "  And  becaafe  it  feems  hard  for  a 
44  High  Priejt  to  confefs  his  Errors  once  a  Year, 
«4  tho'  he  may  love  to  be  Father  Gotifeffor  himfelf, 
44  and  bring  others  to  the  Stool."  It  feems  by 
what  ,has  been  faid,  that  the  Cloak  was  not  but- 
ton'd  very  clofe  upon  him ;  whether  this  Gentle- 
man be  a  Minifter  or  not,  which  he  difiainfully 
terms  High  Prieff,  perhaps  not  only  to  give  vent 
to  his    Prejudice,    bur,  the   better  to  conceal  him- 


The  Examiner    Examined.  £> 

f.if.  I  know  not,  but  methinks  he  might  have 
at  preient  vvav'd  his  ftrcaftical  Fleer  about  bring- 
ing others  to  the  Stool,  while  this  very  Thing 
is,  at  leall  in  Pretence,  the  Buiinefs  of  his  prefenc 
Performance  ;  which  is  like  to  fail  of  Succefs,  for 
the  want  of  a  juft  Foundation.  But  whether,  when 
our  Author  reads  the  juft  Charges  that  are  offer'd 
againft  his  Conduct,  in  the  following  Pages,  he 
will  like  to  be  brought  to  the  Stool  himfclf  and 
make  publick  Retractations  with  Aufiin]  according  to 
his  own  Advice  to  me,  pag.  31.  Time  mull  dis- 
cover ?  . 

As  to 'the  reprinting  of  rtfy  ■  Notirsgham  Sermon  at 
Bojion,  I  had  no  hand  in  it,  but  it  I  had,  I  fee 
no  Reafon  that  I  fliould  have  to  repent  of  foth 
an  Action.  I  have  not  feen  that  Sermon  for  a  con- 
iiderable  Time,  before  the  other  Day*  but  hearing 
fo  many  Outcries  againft  it ;  I  was  indue'd  to 
read  it  over  and  over;  with  calmhefs  to  fee  if  ther£ 
was  a  Foundation  for  the  mighty  Oppofition  made 
againft  it ;  but  upon  .  enquiry  I  could  not  but 
think  that  as  to  the  Matter  and  Subftance  of  it ,  it 
was  but  the  fiakedtfruth,  and  fuch  as,  if  fairly  reprefent- 
ed,  all  its  Adverfaries  will  never  be  able  to  confute. 
-JBut  why  does  this  Author,  bring  in  the  Rev. 
Mr.  fVhitefieldy  upon  this  Occafion ;  feeing  that 
many  Thoufands  have  appiov'd  of  the  Sermon 
as  well  as  he,  doubtlefs  it  was  to  expole  him  to 
contempt  among  the  Ungodly  ;  becaule  that  Ser- 
mon has  much  irruated  natural  Minifters  and  Peo- 
ple ? 

Since   Mr.  Whitefeld  (fays  he)  has  judged  it  an 
unanfwerable  Piece. 

A.  It  appears  to  be  Co  yet,  notwithstanding 
what  has  been  faid  againft  it.  The  £>uerijls  in 
their  third  Part,  which  is  level'd  againft  this  Ser- 
mon, exprefs  as  little  regard  to  Truth,  and  Mo- 
defty,  as  to  Religion  and  fair  Reafoning  ;  they  ap- 
pear to  be  Men  of  a  wild  and  luxuriant  Turn  of 
Thought,  who  are  difpofed  to  deride  and  burlefque 
^  with 


•i'o  The  Esami  ner,£xamine  p. 
■with  prophage  irreverence,  what  is  molt  facred 
and  ferious  ;  and  therefore  what  they  offer  in  their 
Performance,  hardly  deferves  any  Notice  from 
fuch  as  are  inclined  to  Truth,  Sobriety,  and  Re- 
ligion. And  had  not  the  aforefaid  gloomy  Ingre- 
dients been  frequent  and  flagrant  in  their  Writings, 
tlvy  would  have  been  long  iince  replied  to.  Bun 
at  is  an  uncomfortable  Task  to  deal  with  Men 
that  will  hardly  flick  at  any  Thing.  In  fhort  the 
^uerips  Coimpofure  upon  which  the  Examiner  lays 
fo  great  a  Srrefs,  in  his  pVefent  Performance,  is 
but  a  Voluminous  Bundle  of  confident  Imperti- 
nence, ana  rude  Billinofgate,  wherein  the  true, 
State  of  the  Queftion  is  perverted.  To  make  this 
evident,  I  would  obferve  that  the  two  Particulars 
in  the  Sermon  againlt  which  their  Reafonings 
would  feem  principally  to  turn,  are  thefe  viz.  I. 
what  I  have  laid  in  the  '.pag.  concerning  natu- 
ral Men,  that  they  have  no  Call  of  God  to  the 
Iftinifterial  Work,  under  the  Gofpel  Difcenfation. 
And  z.  What  I  have  faid  from  pag:  18.  to  to. 
refpecting  Per'fons  going  flatedly  from  hearing 
one  Minifter  to  another,  for  greater  good.  What 
they  have  offer'd  agamft  me  concerning  thofe  Par- 
ticulars, are  the  main  Pillars  of  that  Performance, 
which  if  they  be  overfet,  the  whole  Fabrick  falls. 
Here  let  the  Reader  obferve,  that  the  Plan  I 
went  upon  in  the  Sermon,  and  AfTertion  aforefaid, 
was  this  viz.  that  there  is  a  two  fold  Call  to  the  Mini- 
stry, inward  and  outward  the  fir  it  con  ftff  in  g  princi- 
pally in,  or  rather  evidenced  by  the  pious  Difpofiti- 
ons,  and  Aims  c.f  the  Perfon,  and  the  latter  in  his 
regular  external  Separation  to  the  Mmifterial 
Work.  It  is  evident  from  the  Words  of  that  Pa- 
ra!: raph,  that  I  meant  the  inward  Gill.— The 
Words  are  thefe,  "  Is  it  not  a  Principal  Part,  of 
««  the  ordinary  Call  of  God  to  the  ministerial 
««  Work,  to  aim  at  the  Glory  of  God,  and  in  Sub- 
<«  ordination  thereto,  the  good  of  Souls  ;  as  their 
<*  chief  Marks,  in  their   Undertaking  that  Work/' 

I 


I      C  E  X  A  M  I  N  E  H  ,   E  X  A  M  I  N  E  D  .  IT 

A  cannot  be  reafonably  fuppofed  to  mean  the  ex- 
rernal  Call,  by  the  aforcfaid  Words,  except  I  wag 
intirely  void  of  common  Senfe,  and  fo  unable  to 
i  iftmguim  between  what  is  cutward  and  inward. 
But  furely  the  ^ueyijls  didi't  tale  me  to  be  pon  com- 
pos, oth  erwiie  they  have  reflected  upon  their  own 
Underftandings,  by  writing  fo  much  againft  me  ; 
and  yet  the  ^uerijls,  have  diiingenuoufly  apply'd 
them  to  the  outward  Cally  and  fo  mifreprcienred 
my  meaning,  and  the  true  Siare  of  the  Queftion, 
pag.  44.  in  their  5.  Queftion,  they  fignify,  "  what 
*'  they  take  to  be  the  Call  of  God  to  the  Miniftry, 
st  and  fay  that  it  is  fome  publick  .and  authoritative 
A  Declaration,  of  Gods  Will,  &c."  Which  plaint 
ly  fhews  that  they  mean  the  externa]  Or  outward 
Call  only.  And  in  the  follow ing  Paragraph,  they 
lay  in  anfwer  to  my  Queftion  in  the  Sermon, 
namely,  Is  it  not  a  principal  Part  of  the  ordinary  Call  of 
God  to  iLe  Mini  ferial  [fork,  to  aim  at  Gods  Glory \  and 
in  Subordination  thereto  the  Good  tj 'Souls  ?  They  anfwer, 
-7/vtfj  it  is  no  Fart  of  Gods  Call  to  the  Miffiftryy  much  left 
a  pri  m  ipal  Part  of  it. 

A.  It's  true,  it  is  no  Part  of  the  external  Call; 
here  they  endeavour  to  reprefent  me,  as  maintain- 
ing, that  the  aforefaid  good  Difpofition,  gives  Au- 
thority to  exercife  the  Miniftry  ;  which  was  ever 
far  from  my  Thought*,  end  which  there-  is  not 
one  Word  of  in  that  Sermon,  which  they  fet  them- 
selves to  oppofe.  What  I  have  (aid  refpc&ingthe 
inwardCaW  they  apply  to  ths  outward  and  thus  chey 
mifreprefent,  and  mifapply,  what  I  have  fpoken, 
and  fo  do  not  reafon  againft  my  Opinion  chiefly 
but  their   own  Mifreprefentation. 

That  my  Kotingham  Sermon  was  fram'd  upon 
the  Plan  or  Notion  of  a  two  fold  Call,  will  ap- 
pear more  clearly  by  comparing  what  has  bee« 
already  mentioned,  from  the  'pag.  of  that  Ser- 
mon, with  what  is  faid  tag.  31.  where  I  obfeve 
that  u  Pharifaicky  or  unconverted  Minifte  rs  jfre  no 
<*  Shepherds,  (ho  faithful  Ones-) in  Ch  rj^s  t's  A  - 
B  2.  M  count. 


i%  The  Exjmini*, Exam  ink  ». 
*«  count."  There  it  is  plainly  in  ci  ma  red,  that  I 
own'd  them  "to  be  Mimfters,  true  and  lawful  ones, 
in  the  h\ht  of  the  Church,  but  not  faithful  oises^ 
an  the  Account  of  Cfrht.  Yea  the  Cafe  \s 
fo  plain,  that  the  Qutrtp  t'herofcives  dp  acknow- 
ledge' it,  tag.  55.  in  thefe  Words,  <«  doth  it  not  feem 
««  that  the  vulgar  Dillin&ion,  between  the  cut- 
4t  ward  and  2n1vc.nl  Call,  tfie  Cull  of  God  and  the 
M  pair  of  Man  to  the  Minl(b\',  is  the  Foundaii- 
•<  on  of  the  above   I.iifhkc  in  "Mr.  <T.  " 

But  tKo"  the t$tteiifis  deny  theaforefaid  Aim,  &c.  to 
be  any  Part  of  "the- Call  of  God  10  the  Mihiftry  ; 
yet  they  own  it  to  be  a  Qualification  requitice  in 
the  Pcrfbntf  call'd,  to  render  them  fit,  for  the, 
"Work  they  are  cali'd  to.  pftg.  55.  tjwfl.  6.  I1  Whence 
f '  then  doth  this  Confuhon  in  wkich  Mr. 
44  fennent  feems  to  labour,  a  rile  ?  Doth  it  roc 
41  proceed  from  his  jumbling  and  mixing  many 
*l  'Tilings  together,  which  are  of  a  quite  different 
<*  Nature  and  Order,  as  if  they  were  oneaudj:he 
*'  fame  Thing  ?  For  doth  not  he  confound  the 
**  authoritative  Call,  Commiffion  or  Command  of 
**  God,  which  is  the  divine  A c~t,  either  immediate-* 
*'  Iy  or  mediately,  with"  the  Qualifications  requifi  re 
tl  in  the '  Perfons  called,  to  render  them  fie  for  the 
■*'  Work  they  are  called  to,  as  if  they  were  the 
**  ielf-fame  Thing  V 

J.  Mo !  I  have  not  confounded  them,  I  have 
never  faid  'nor  tho't  that  any  Perfon,  by  reafon 
of  his  good  Difpofitions  or  Aims,  had  Commifli- 
cn  or  Authority,  to  exeicife  the  minifterial  Office. 
At.d  do  not  the  gh.erip  contradict  themfelves  in 
this  Charge?  While  they  elfewhere  own  as  I 
have  already  oMcrv'd,  "  that  the  vulgar  Diftincti- 
*<  on  between  the  outward  and  inward  Call,  was  the 
*'  Founria:ion  of  my  Miftake."  How  could  Idif- 
tinguiih  them,  and  yet  confound  them?  But  here 
Jet  it  be  obferv'd,  that  the  SPveriJls  do  own  the 
Pnfifiuefs  of  natural  Men  for  the  Minifterial  Of- 
J^e,  which  was  the  principal  Thing  I  defign'd  to 
*  prove 


The  Examiner, Examined.  x% 

piove  in  the  Fotingham  Sermon.  And  what  if  I 
had  given  a  wrong  Name,  to  what  is  acknowledg- 
ed by  themfelves  to  bje  necefT.iry,  why  would  they 
make  me  fo  great  an  Offender  for  a  Word  ?  Unckt 
this  Confederation }  what  is  their  Debate  but  a  meer 
I.cgo»<achy  ? 

It  is  true,  I  did  not  fo  fully  and  exprefsly  ex- 
plain my  Piopofujon,  in  the  7.  pag.-as  I  might  have 
done,  and  this  is  all  the  Shadow  for  caviling 
upon  the  Call  to  the  Miniftry,  which  the  ^ue- 
rifes,  probably  to  anfv/er  fpme  private  Deli  n, 
have  us'd  alltheArts  of  Sopbiftry  in  improving  ;  but  it 
is  plain  to  any  that  read  that  Sermon  wirh  Attention, 
that  in  confequence  of  the  afojefaid  DiftincYion  of 
an  outward  and  an  inward  Call,  I  diitinguifli  be- 
tween true  and  faithful  Mihifters.  See  pag.  31, 
■where  it  is  faid,  "  there  is  no  probability  (  /'.  c.  as 
"  to  many  of  them)  of  getting  good,  by  the  Mi- 
ff niftry  of  Pharifees  :  For  they  are  no  Shepherds 
"  (no  faithful  ones)  in  Chriils  Account."  Thofe 
that  have  an  outward  Call  only,  may  be  faid  to 
be  true  Minifters  in  the  Sialic  of  the  Church, 
their  Miniftrations  are  valid,  yea  they  may  be 
faid  to  be  true  Minifters  in  the  Sigh  of  God  in  this 
Refp'tt,  namely,  that  they  come  into  the  Mimftry  ac- 
cording to  the  Rules  or  Orders,  which  God  has  appoint- 
ed in  his  Church  ;  But  they  cannot  be  faid  to  be 
faithful  Ones,,  feeing  they  have  no  Faith.— If  they 
are  not  faithful  in  the  Affairs  of  their  own  Souls, 
how  can  they  be  fuppos'd  to  be  faithful  in  the 
Affairs  of   others  ? 

Now  when  I  lay  in  that  Sermon,  that  uncon- 
verted Men  are  not  fent  of  God  into  the  Mini- 
ftry,  under  the  Gofpel  Difpenfation,  I  mean  thefc 
Things  following,  wi.  1.  that  they  are  deftitute  of 
an  Aim  at  Gods  Glory  above  all,  and  other  pi- 
ous Difpoficions,  without  which  they  are  not  well 
qualified  for  the  Minifterial  Work  ;  and  therefore 
(comparatively  at  leaft)  are  unlikely  to  do  much 
good  in  it.  £nd  2.  I  do  nor.  iii4  under  the  Gof- 
pel 


£4  The  Examiner,  Examine  jfl 
pel  Diipenfation ,  that  unconverted  Men  are  mov*d 
or  inclin'd  by  the  Spirit  of  God  to  undertake  the 
minifterial  Cilice,  but  by  their  own  or  by  a  wode 
spirit.  And  3.  that  Almighty  God  does  not  re- 
quire in  his  Word,  nor  approve  of,  unconverted 
Men  taking  upon  them  the  Miniftry  of  the  Gof- 
pel ;  thefe  Things  the  Scriptures  and  Reafonings 
in  the  Sermon  plainly  prove;  a:Ai  indeed  fucii 
as  oppofe  them,  oppofe  the  true  Jntereft  of  vital 
Godiinefs,  which  are  not  like  to  be  well  pro- 
moted without  a  pious.  Miniftry. 

The  anonymous  Querijls  betray  a  had  Temper  of 
Mind,  in  their  labouring  to  enervate,  what  I  kave 
faid  in  che  aforefaid  Sermon,  refpedtiug  the  Un- 
comfortable nefs  of  the  Miniftry  of  natural  Men 
to  gracious  Souls ;  herein  they  oppofe  the  com- 
•mon  Senfe  of  the  Faithful;  and  in  their  cavil- 
ing at  what  is  ofrer'd  in  the  Sermon,  concerning 
the  unprohYablenefs'  of  the  Miniftry  of  graceleil 
Men,  fojs  the  mod  Part  ;  in  refpect  of  the  Con- 
viction and  Conrerfion  of  Sinners,  they  not 'only 
jfianifeft  an  evil  Difpofnion,  but  contradict  the 
plained  Teftimony's  ct  Scripture  and  Experience. 
Thefe  Things  are  Tq  felf  evident,  that  it  is  ama- 
zing   to   find  profefiors  of  Religion   oppofins  them. 

J's  not  this  the  plain  Tendency  of  the  ^uerijls 
reasoning  upon  this  Head  ?  Namely,  to  encourage 
ungodly"  Men  to  take  upon  them  the  Miniftry  of 
the  Gofpel,  as  well  as  to  encourage  People  to  an 
indifferency  in  their  Choice  of  Minifters,  and  are 
not  both  thefe  Things  fatal  to  the  Church  of 
God,  fhould  not  Extreams  be  avoided  on  every 
!Hand? 

That  there  is  an  outward  and  an  inward  Call 
to  the  Gofpel  Miniftry,  is  aflerted  by  many  Di- 
vines of  principal  Note,  among  the  reformed  Church- 
es ;  to  this  Effect  fpake  the  Rev.  MefT  Durham  and 
Tirade.  Mr.  Ecfs  in  his  Panfehia  reprefents  this  to 
be  the*  Opinion  of  all  the  J?nfbyterians't  and  in- 
deed I  thought  it  had  been  lb  too,  till  I  met  with 

tha 


The  Ex.aminsr,  Eumimid.      I* 
the  Shterips   Performance,    which   is    done  by  Per- 
ions  who  arc  fond  of  that  Name.     I  could  wlfh  for 
their   own   Sakes,   that   they    were  as  fond  of   the 
Thing   fignify'd  by  it,   in  this  as  weil  as  in   other 
Particulars.    But  the  Cafe   is    ib  plain,    refpedting 
the  Diftin&ion  of  an  outward  and  an  imv  ard  Call  to 
the    Miniftry,   being    held    by    many  ;   That    the 
£%uerifi£  -thcmfelvcs  are    fore'd    to   cohfefs  its   Ve- 
racity.    pag.  55.  Hu$.  7.  «  Doth  it  not  feem,    that 
"  the  imbibing  and  improving  the  falfe   tho*  vulgar 
«  Diftmchon  between  the  outward  and  ikwsrdCsLUi 
"  the  Call  of  God  and  the  Gail  of  Man  to  che   Mi- 
*«  niftry,  is  the  Foundation  of  the  above   Miftake  in 
*  Mr  1>r    Here   they  own  it  to  be  vulgar,  or  ccm- 
fnonly   received ;  and   indeed  fo  it  is ;  for  this   is   the 
Opinion  of  the  whole  Church  of  Scotland,  as  appears 
from  her   Directory,   which   they  and   we  have  a- 
dopted,  as  the   Standard   of   our    Proceedings  and 
Sentiments,  refpefifcing  the   Affairs  of  Church  Go- 
vernment.    Under    the    Head   of  Ordination,  are 
thefe  Words,   «    Which    being   confidercd    by  the 
"  Presbytery  they  fhall  proceed  to  enquire  touch- 
«  ing  the  Grace  of  God   in  him,  and    whether  he 
«'  beoffuch  holinefs  of  Life,  as   is  require  in  a 
«  Minifter   of  the  Gofpel,    and  to -examine    him, 
«  touching  his  Learning  and  Sufficiency,  and  touch-*- 
"  ing    the   Evidences  of  his  calling    to  the  Holy 
"  Miniftry  ;  and    in  particular  his  fair   and  direft 
"  calling  to  that  Place."     Here   it  is  evident,  chat 
they  aflert  a  Call   to  the  Miniftry,  before  Ordina- 
tion ;  and^  therefore   an  inward  Call.     This  is  writ- 
ten as   with  a    Sun    Beam    in   thofe  Words    and 
therefore  the    gttwifs  mew  either  little  acquaint- 
ance with  their   own  avowed  Principles,   or   Hide 
regard  to  them,  by  denying   it.     And  indeed  here- 
by   they  offer    much   Realbn   to   fufpecr  their  Sin- 
cerity m  the    Miniftry.    Alas  what    luperficial  Mi- 
nifters    muft    they  be,  who  deny  the  kmatd  Call, 
is  it  becaufe  they  han't   it   tfiemfelves,  or  is  it  to 
Vf\  down  with  the  Cry  of  &ror2  Etm,  fuch  as 

think 


t6  The  ExAMt  N  E  R ,  £  X  A  M  I  N  £  D  ^ 

think  it  neceffary  to  hold  the  Presbyterian  Prfnci- 
ples  contain'd  in  our  excellent  'Directory?  If  fa 
'their  Cafe  or  Courfe  is  miierable.  And  do  not 
the  Church  of  England  in  their  Ordination  Office, 
piopofe  thefe  Qiieftions  to  the  Candidate,  before  Or- 
dination, viz.  **  Do  you  truft  that  you  are  inwardly 
"  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghofr  to  take  upon  you  this 
"  Office  and  Administration  ?  And  are  you  called 
<*  according  to  the  Will  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift, 
u  and  the  Laws  of  this  Realm  V*  This  is  fo  plain 
and  pofitive  to  the  Point  in  difpute,  that  there  is 
no  need  of  any  Addition  to  explain  it.  The 
Reader  may  herefrom  eafily  perceive,  what  fort  of 
a  Spirit  the  ^nerijti  are  of,  who  labour  to  call 
Contempt  upon  the  avowed  Principles  of  the  Body 
of  the  Proteftant  Churches,  refpecling  this  Poinc 
under  debate. 

Now  feeing  I  clid  not  afTert  the  Neafflity  of 
an  extraordinary  Call,  in  the  ordinary  Times  of 
the  Gofpel  ;  coniifting  in  Virions,  and  Voices  and 
the  like,  or  that  good  Difpofitions  and  Aims,  were 
fufficient  to  conftirute  a  Miniifer,  or  give  a  Right 
to  exercife  that  Office,  without  a  regular  external 
Separation  thereto,  according  to  the  Order  of  God, 
neither  of  which >  I  ever  belie v'd  or  ex'prek'd  ; 
what  neceffity  was  there  then  for  fo  long  and 
warm  a  Difpute,  againft  our  and  their  excellent 
Directory,  unlels  it  was. to  amufe  the  Ignorant, 
and  prejudice  them  againft  thofe  whom  they  hated, 
and  wanted  to  pull  down  ? 

But  the  Truth  of  the  Cafe  is  this,  fome  of  rhefe 
Men  hare  been  lefs  efteemed,  by  fome  of  their 
Hearers,  afer  the  Work  of  God  fpread  among 
tbem,  than  before  ;  and  others  whom  they  diflik'd, 
have  been  efteem'd  above  them;  neither  of  which 
they  could  brook,  they  have  therefore  taken  up 
Arms  againft  Gods  Work  and  his  Servants,  whom 
he  has  u*'d  in  promoting  it,  and  have  endeavour  "a 
by  all  Means,  (per  fas  nefafy;)  by  Hook  and  Crook 
to  flandtr   and  traduce   both,    in  order  to  arrufl* 


The  Examiner,  Exam  i  ked.  17 

the  ignorant  Populace,  they  have  rai^'d  the  Hue  and 
Cry  or  Error  and  Diforder,  againft  thofe  whom  they 
diluain,  and  have  put  their  Wits  upon  the  Tenters, 
to  find  out  Matter  to  fupport  the  Charge,  partly 
by  invidious  and  ralfe  GlqiTes,  upon  the  Writings 
of  their  Opponents,  and  by  artfully  magnifying  fmaU 
ler  Jncjiicretions  in  Conduct,  and  partly  by  cither 
Inventing  or  Propagating  notorious  Falfhoods  , 
concerning  them. 

That  God,  whefe  we  are,  and  whom  we  fenre^ 
knows,  that  it  was  ourlncention  in  travelling  to  bring 
poor  Sinners  to  Christ  Jesus,  as  well  as  to 
buiid  up  Saints  in  him,  and  no:  to  divide  Congrega- 
tions, as  they  do  falliy  Charge  us,  it  is  they  that  are 
the  proper  Caufes  of  ih^  Diviitons  among  us,  by  their 
pppofiug  that  blefled  Work  of  Conviction  and 
Converfion,  that  h;s  not  long  fince  been  ipreading 
in  their  Borders  !  Had  they  join'd  with  us  as  they 
ought  to  have  done,  in  promoting  that  Work,  and 
as  they  v.  ili  wifh  one  Day  they  had  done,  there  would 
have  been  no  Divifions  among  us  :  But  inftead  of 
this,  they  have  us'd  fly  a;id  fbphiftical  Methods^ 
in  abufing  every  feemiugly  or  really  exceptionable 
Incident,  to  caft  odious  Colours  upon  the  whole 
Work,  they  have  like  wife  oppos'd  Goa's  Work; 
by  their  falfe  and  dangerous  A'ofaoian  Do&riue* 
about  Conviction.  Witnefs,  Mr.  Vkohiffiits  de^r.d- 
ble  and  inconfi'lent  Performance,  en:i:led,  Trs 
Loci r me  of'  ConiiBtons  fit  in  a  clear  Li'ht  ;  which 
divers  Minilters  of  tha;  lchiimatical  Pany,  have  ex- 
prefled  their  Appobation  ot :  Hardly  any  thing  can 
be  invented,  that  has  a  more  direct  Tendency,  to 
deftroy  the  common  Operations  of  God's  holy  Spi- 
rit, and  to  keep  Men  from  JesusChrist,  than 
what  Mr.  ^homfon  has  exprefs  \i  in  that  Performance. 
.  C.  E.  G.  pag.zrt.  He  fays,  "  Firft,  as  to  thefe  pre- 
€t  paratory  ungracious  Convictions,  as  I  may  call  t  hemj 
'*  which  are  held  to  be  fo  neceiury,  by  way  of  Pte^ 
*.'  paration  for  Converfion.  I  apprehend  that  if  cneir 
**  Nature  and  Tendency  be  duly  confideied,  it  will 
C  &$$&& 


t  S  The  Ex  AMI  NER,  ExA»fINEl>; 

«  appear,  that  all  fuch  Convictions,  as  are  void  of 
««  true  Grace,  are  fo  far  from  being  neccilary  Pre- 
'<  paratives  for  Conveifion,  thar  they  are  rather  an 
««  Impediment  to  it.  Pag.  28.  That  theie  common 
<«  Convictions  may  be  fometimes  fiicceeded  with  true 
«*  Conversion,  I  do  not  deny,  but  when  it  is  fo, 
**  the  Converfiou  following  cannot  be  juftly  reckon 'd 
«  the  proper  Effect  of  thefe  Convictions,  akho'  it 
m  may  be  occafion'd  by  them,  as  it  may  be  by  the 
«  GommifTion  of  fome  grofs  Sfn,  which  deeply 
««  wounds  the  natural  Conscience.  Pag  33.  34. 
<*  It  is  evident  that  whatever  Convictions,  may  be 
•«  rais'd  in  a  Perfons  Mind,  which  are  void  of 
««  the  foregoing  Marks  of  laving  Conviction,-  or 
«  whatever  Fear  or  Terrors  may  follow  or  accom- 
«  pany  fuch  Convictions,  can  have  no  native  Ten- 
««  dency,  to  lead  or  prepare  Perfons  for  Converfi- 
««  on.  What  nearer  to  Conversion  is  a  Perfon,  or 
««  better  prepar'd  for  it,  by  his  being  convinc'd  of 
*<  Sin  and  Guilt,  while  ftill  his  Heart,-  Love  and 
<«  Affections  are  under  the  reigning  Power  of  ir  ? 
«  Nor  is  he  humbly  affected,  wich  a  Senfe  of  its 
**  Vilenefs,  How  much  was  Judas  prepar'd  for  Con- 
<*  verfion  by  his  Conviction?  and  Terrors  t  Yea 
«<  fuch  ungracious  Convictions  tend  rather  to 
<«  fcare  a  Perfon  from  Chrift,  than  draw  him  unto 
*«  him:  fag.  ^9.  From  which  it  doth  plainly  ap- 
*<  pear,  that  the  Convictions  which  are  neceflary 
«*  to  Converfion,  are  in  Truth  a  Part  of  the  Work 
*<  it  felf,  ortofpeak  more  diftinctly,  nothing  elfe, 
««  but  that  very  Principle  of  Grace,,  implanted  in  and 
"  bv  Converfiou;  putinji  forth  it  felf  in  the  Exercifc 
«<  of  Conviction,  or  Perfuafion  of  the  Perfon's  na- 
«*  tural  (infill  and  miserable  State,  according 
*'*  to  the  Word.  The  Heart  and  Confcience 
««  bearing  Witnefs  thereto."  For  the  Confutation 
of  this  nonfcnfical  Moravian  Notion,  I  would  re- 
fer the  Reader  to  my  Sermons  againft  the  Mo- 
tgvians  pag  J.  4.  5.  and  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  i)kkepfin9 

ingenious 


The  E  X  A  M  Vk  E  K  >  E  X  A  M  I  N  E  D.  ^  1 9 

ingenious   Dialogues,    wiierein  thi*   iJoint  is  more 
lagely  difcuflcd. 

Our  Oppofers,  as  I  am  credibly  informed,  have  done 
.much  Injury  to  Religion  by  indifKnct  and  unfea- 
fonable  Difcourfcs  upon  this  Point,  viz.  *fbat  Per- 
form may  have  Grace  and  not  know  it.  This  was 
infixed  upon  at  a  Time,  -when  Multitudes 
were  under  Convictions,  and  the  Conlequence 
-was,  that  many  relapfed  into  their  former  Secu- 
rity. 

They  have  likewhe,  as  has  been  obfervM,  rais'd 
the  Cry  of  Order,  and  fet  it  in  -fiich  a  Liafct, 
as  has  had  a  Tendency  to  blacken  the  Characters 
of  fome  of  God's  poor  Servants,  in  the  -Opinion 
of  fome,  and  its  probable  that  this  was  their  De- 
fign  ;  this  has  likewife  been  a  plaufib.le  Mean,  of  cb^ 
ftructing   God's  Work   in  the  Land. 

And  indeed  this  is  the  Artifice  and  Tricfc 
which  the  Oppofers  of  Religion  have  ufed  againfc 
God's  faithful  Servants  ot  old.  lljah  was  charged 
by-jiihfib  as  a  Tr.ubkr  of  Ifrtel,  Paul  reprcfented  as  a 
Mover  of  Sedition,  and  our  Lord  himfelf  was  faulted 
for  not  obfejving  the  Tradition  of  the  Fathers, 
And  thus  whiie  our  Oppofers  contend  for  what  is 
comparatively  but  the  ty thing  of  A.int,  z^d^nnies,  and 
Cummin^  they  neglect  the  weightier  flatters  of  the 
Law. 

But  the  2d  Particular,  againfi:  which  the  ^uenfls 
Reafbnings  (if  they  may  be  fo  called)  are  prh- 
cipally  directed,  is  reflecting  wha.  I  have  faid  in 
the  1 8  and  19  pag.  of  the  Nottingham  Sermon  in 
thefe  Words,  viz.  M  Jf  the  Min^firy  of  natural 
«•  Men  be,  as  jt  has  been  reprefemed,  then  ic  is 
**  both  lawful  and  expedient,  to  go  from  them  :o 
««  hear  Godly  Perfons  ;  yea  i:  is  \o  far  from  b  ing 
ft  finful  to  do  this,  tha:  ore  who  lives  under  a 
<*  pious  Mmifter  of  leffer  Gif:s,  after  having  ho- 
««  neftly  endeavour'd  to  ^et  Benefit  by  his  Mini- 
«c  (try,  a"d  rets  little  or  none,  but  doth  find  real 
*4  Benefit,  and  more  Benefit  elfew here,  I  fay  he 
B  2  "  nuy 


2.0  The  Ex  A  MI  NE  R  ,    E  X  A  Ml  NED. 

fr'nr»ay  lawfully  eo,  and  that  frequently,  "where 
«'  he  gets  n  oft  Good  to  his  precious  Soul  af.er 
4i  regular  Applica.ion  to  the  Pallor  where  he 
*4  lives  for  his  Co:  fern,  and  propofing  the  Rea- 
"  fbns  thereof,  when  this  is  clone  in  the  Spirit 
**  of  Love  and  Mcekr.efs  w ithcuc  contempt  of  any, 
*'  as  alio  without  mill  Anger  or  vain  Curiofi;y."  ■ 
'  The  <QuertjFs  do  molt  unjultiy  reprefeut  my 
Meaning,  in  roe  aforefaid  Paragraph,  as  appears  from 
the  95 'pag  of  their  Pamphlet*  where  they  fay,  as 
tm  the    fourih    Inference,   "  which   feens  to   have 

fbeen  the  main  fcope  df  the  Performance,  vfc,. 
To  diiTolve  all  relative  Bonds  and  Tics  be- 
«'  tween  Pallor  and  People,  at  leaft  to  proclaim 
*<  them  null  and  void,  as  to  the  People's  Obligation 
««  therefrom  to  attend  upon  the  AdminiftracioiiS 
"  of  their  own  fixed  Paffors  ftatedly;  fo  that  if 
«<  ve  take  Mr.  ST.  upright,  his  declared  Judgment 
«*  here  is,  that  People,  after  the  Choice  of  a  Mmifttr 
<l  to  be  their  fbued  P<dior,  are  at  their  free  Liberty 
«'  lo  abfent  themfeives  from  his  Miniftry,  as  far 
M  aid  as  often  as  they,  or  any  of  them  pleafes, 
*<   whether   the    Miniiter    be  godly  or  oraceiefs. 

y-lr.f.  What  they  have  faid  is  as  contrary  as  any 
Thin.,  can  be,  to  my  cxprefs  Declaration  in  the 
preceedirg  Paragraph  :  If  I  thought,  as  the  ^us- 
iijfs  fuigcir,  that  People  may  abfent  themfeives  as 
far  and  as  often  as  they  pleafe,  I  would  not  have 
exprefsly  guarded  a  ainii  it,  by  mentioning  a  pre- 
vious regular  Application,  and  thus  it  is  evident, 
that  the  ^tierip  do  not  argue  againfl  my  Opini- 
on fairly  ftaieo,  but  fiift  milreprefent  it,  and  then 
oppofe  with  much  earneftnefs  their  own  Figment, 
and  therefore  all  their  Reafo.nings  on  that.  Head 
•jail   to  the  Ground. 

-  Let  my  Opinion  be  fairly  mated  as  it  is  in  the 
Sermon,  and  this  Exception  from  that  general 
Kule  added,  namely,  that  they  mould  go  where 
they  get  the  moir  Good  ftatedly,  after  regular  Ap- 
plication to  the  Mirtitier,  or  Church  Sdlion,  whereto 


The  Examiner, Examined.  21 
they  belong,  unlefs  their  particular  Good  endan- 
gers or  obftru&s  the  general  Good  of  the  Society, 
whereto  they  have  a  Relation,  in  this  we  ou^ht 
doubtlefs  to  prefer  the  general  before  our  particu- 
lar Good,  e,  q.  i:  nay  ib  happen,  that  if  a  Per  ion 
of  threat  Importance  and  Influence  in  a  lit:le  Soci- 
ety (hou'd  .0  ftatedly  eifevvhere,  it  would  break 
the  Sociecy.  Tuis  and  iuch  like  Cafes  we  muft 
deny  our ic Ives. 

As  to  going  elfewhere  af;er  Application,— 
I  mean  no  more,  and  no  hCs  man  this,  that  we 
fhould  pay  all  that  Deference  to  Church  Judicato- 
ries, which  is  confident  with  the  Right  ot  private 
Judgment,  in  Matters  of  Conference.  Any  who 
carry  the  Matter  farther,  as  it  feems  the  Queries  do, 
by  what  I  have  mentioned  from  them  and  others, 
pais  under  the  fpecious  Names  of  Order  and  Go- 
vernment, they  erect  a  Tyranny  upon  the  Ruins 
of  every  Thing  that  is  valuable  in  human  Nature. 
Now  let  my  Opinion  he  feared  as  aforefaid,  and  I 
may  bid  Defiance  to  the  ^ucrijis  and  all  of  their 
Scamp   to  overthrow  it. 

Buc  to  let  my  Opinion  in  a  more  clear  and  dif- 
tincr.  Light,  I  fnail  take  leave  to  mention  the  fol- 
lowing Particulars,  which  are  cither  exprelVd  in, 
or  plainly  deducible  from,  the  19  p.xg  of  my  2\W- 
tingham  Sermon,  viz,. 

1.  Negatively,  I  do  not  aflert  or  maintain,  that 
Perfons  may  or  mould  go  from  their  own  Church- 
es to  others  ac  all,  much  lefs  frequently,  meerly  in 
order  to  liexle  an  exorbitant  Fancy,  or  for  the  fake 
of  vain  Curiofity,  No !  No  !  Upon  the  contrary 
I  believe,  it  is  finful  to  go  from  a  more  plain  awak- 
ening Soul  fcarching  and  {avoury  Miniltry,  to  a 
lefs  plain,  lefs  awakening,  lei's  favoury  one,  meerly 
to  «ec  carnal  Eafe  to  a  labouring  Mind,  or  Gratifi- 
cation to  a  Diltemper'd  Palate,  by  affected  Bom- 
baft  or  gingte  ot  Language,     Nor 

2.  Do  I  profefs  or  maintain,  an  irregular  Seceflion 
to  be   lawful  or  laudable  1  I    mean   that  Perfons 

fh.ou'4 


%i  The  Ex  amine*,  Examined. 
fhcu'd.-go  frequent  y  loo  her  Churches,  without  Ap- 
plication to  their  owrMinifter  or  Church  Confiftory, 
for  Leave  in  this  Affair,  rerdring  the  Reafons  of 
their  Rerueft,  If  their  Reafons  are  not  account-* 
ed  valic,  and  the  Cafe  be  really  To,  thev  ouoht  to 
deflft,  but  if  they  are  wrong'd,  they  ihould  ap- 
peal to  a  higher  Judicatory ;  but  if  the  Caie 
Should  fo  happen,  that  after  all  the  Appeals  they 
can  make,  and  moft  humble  and  impartial  Examina- 
tion of  the  AfTuir,  they  firmly  believe  they  arc 
wrong'd  by  the  Church  judicatories,  and  are  Con- 
fcience  bound  in  the  Mader,  they  ought  to  judge 
for  themfeives,  and  act  according  to  their  Confer- 
ences :  For  furely  we  are  not  bound  to  implicite 
Faich  in,  and  Obedience  to,  Church  Rulers  ;  No, 
we  are  only  to  be  fubject  to  them  in  the  Lord, 
as  our  excellent  tf  ejlmwfier  Covjejpcn  of  Faith  inftrucb 
us.    Nor 

5.  Do  I  approve  of  an  angry  Seceflion,  or  with- 
drawing, thro'  Envy,  Malice  or  Contempt,  from  the 
hearing  of  our  Pariiri  Minifter:  For  this  is  ma- 
nifeft'y  oppos'd  to  the  ble fled  Law  of  Love,  which 
is  the  fummary  and  compend  of  the  divine  Precepts, 
and  looks  with  a  frowning  Afpe6t  upon  the  Inter- 
efts  of  Chriftianiiy  ;  When  People  do  withdraw,  it 
ought  to  be  in  the  Spirit  of  Meeknefs  with  Hu- 
mility and  Love,  avoiding  unjuft  and  invidious, 
Reflections,  and  on  the  contrary,  as  much  as  may 
be,  confuhing  the  juft  honour  of  the  Minifter, 
we  withdraw  from.     Nor 

4.  Do  I  approve  of  a  hafty  Seceflion,  without 
confiderable  Try  a],  to  get  Good  under  the  Mini- 
stry of  thofe  we  are  related  to  :  For  that  may  be 
followed  with  unhappy  Confeqnences.  Doubtlefs, 
Extreams  on  both  Sic'esofthe  Queftion  ihould  be 
avoided,  as  the  People  ihould  not  be  enflaved 
on  the  one  Hand,  and  brought  to  the  fatal  Necef- 
fny  of  ading  contrary  to  their  Confcicnces,  or  de- 
pnv*d  of  the-  moft  edifying  Means  :  So  the  Ho- 
nour, Coniprt  and  Support  pf  the  JViiniftry,  an^ 

Safety 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  25 
Safety  of  particular  Societies,  fhould  be  confulted 
and  regarded   on   the  other.     Nor 

5.  Do  I  approve  of  withdrawing  from  a  Church, 
meerly  to  avoid  the  juft  Cenfures  6f  it,  for  this 
tends  to  difanull  its  Government,  and  introduce 
Confufion  and    Anarchy. 

Hfcie  it  muft  be  confefs'd,  that  as  Minifters  are 
apt  to  be  under  the  Influence  of  a  Partial  Byafs, 
when  their  Honour  or  Intereft  is  or  feems  to  be 
touched,  having  like  Paflions  with  other  Men ; 
fo  the  People  are  liable  to  the  following  £x:reams, 
namely,  either  to  make  no  Difference  at  all  among 
Minifters,  or  to  make  too  much  :  The  former  they 
are  inclined  to,  v.  hile  under  the  Power  of  a  deep 
Security,  and  the  latter  they  are  in  great  Danger 
of,  when  they  are  awakened,  and  for  f6me  Time 
after  their  Converfion.  Now  both  thefe  Evils 
fhould  be  oppos'd  and  corrected,  for  indeed  both 
are  very  hurtful.  Duty  lie*  here  (as  Philofophers 
fay  of  Vertue  in  general)  in  a  mediocrity  or  mid- 
dle between  thofe  Extreams.  Minifters  fhould  nei- 
ther be  flighted  or  idolized.  But  positively  what 
I  believe  and  profefs  in  the  prefent  Cafe  is, 

1.  That  it  is  lawful  for  a  Per f on,  who  lives  un- 
der a  Minifier  of  kffer  Gifts,  (even  tho*  realljr 
religious)  that  after  having,  with  Simplicity  and 
Uprightnefs,  us'd  his  utmolt  Endeavours,  (fo  far 
as  aflifted  by  God)  to  gain  Benefit  by  his  Mini- 
ftry,  and  yet  gets  little  or  none,  but  doth  elfe- 
where  get  Good,  or  more  Good,  (cfpecially  by  one 
of  the  fame  Perfuafion)  afcer  regular  Application, 
to  go  where  he  gets  moft  Good  to  his  Soul.      And 

2.  Much  more  from  a  Chriftlefs  Miniffef  under 
the  aforefaid  Circumftanccs,  both  lawful  and  expe- 
dient, after  the  Application  before  mentioned. 

Here  let  the  Reader  obferve,  that  the  aforefaid 
more  particular  and  diftmct  Account,  which  I  have 
riow  given  of  my  Opinion,  reflecting  that  Point 
which  the  ghterifls  and  Examiner  principally  op- 
pofej  i3   but  a  Tjanfcrip;  of  what  I  h3d  written 


24  The  E  X  A  M  I   N  E  k  ,   E  X  A  M  I   NED. 

as  my    Sentiments    upon   this  Subject   many    Years 
before  the   h'ottin$hftm  Sermon  was   preach'd. 

If  I  mould  take  the  fame  triflinLr  fophiifical  and 
voluminous  Method's  with  the  ^uerifts  Performance, 
as  they  have  done  with  my  Sermon,  the  Book 
would  fvvell  to  a  Quarto,  if  no:  a  Folio  Volumn 
perhaps,  and  this  would  be  much  for  Edification, 
woudn'c  it?  It  uould  be  no  hard  Task  to  cell  of 
ii  yea  of  zo  Maxims  of  felnfh  Policy,  and  falfe 
Doctrine,  that  feem  to  be  at  the  Bottom  of  their 
Arguings,but  I  have  fomething  of  more  Importance 
to  manage.  Why  don't  thefe  wohdrous  wife  and 
learned  Men,  tlje  'Sheriffs,  and  others  of  their  Kid- 
ney* take  famous  Dr.  loetius,  one  of  the  molt  emi- 
nent Lights  of  the  Reformed  Churches  to  task,  and 
confute  his  accurate  Differtatipn  upon  this  Subject, 
in  his  Book  of  Lccicfif/icel  ?dicy,  pag.  68.  quefl.  17. 
and  like  wife  in  his  Book  of  Afcttic  Qkebbgy,  chap.  10. 
prg.  222.  5.  There  they  may  find  their  petty  So- 
piifms  and  unlearned  Cavils  fully  baffled  I  would 
advife  them  to  do  it.  in  Lath  for  the  Benefit 
of  all  .the  Churches  :  Such  great  Men  fnoudn'c 
lie  conceal'd.  If  they  take  the  fame  Method  of 
quibbling  and  faying  a  great  deal  befide  the  Point 
in  Difpute,  as  they  have  done  with  me,  they'il  be 
iure  of  confuting  him,  in  .  the  Opinion  of  their 
gracelefs  and  Ignorant  Admirers  efpeeially..  And 
after  they  have  done  this  in  order  to  compleat  a, 
large  Volumn  upon  the  Subject,  they  may  hkewife 
take  to  task,  Hifderjhamy  and  lener,  two  learned  and 
£ious  Britifli  Divines,  who  are  alfo  of  my  Senti- 
ment, (fee  Hilder  Lectures  pag.  2  - 1 .  and  pag.  253  4  ) 
and  confute  them  too;  which  if  ..hey  purfue  their 
{dual  Method,  they  may  evilly  cfredfc  as  aforefaidjj 
they  are  fuch  DabMers  at  difputing,  or  cavilling  ra- 
ther, that  I  quei\ion  whether. any  Writing  in  the 
World  can  Hand  them  in  their  Way. 

One  Inirance  of  which  under  the  prefent  Head  I 
am  difcoui  iing  upon,  I  fhali  take  leave  to  mention 
is,  their  making  the  Relation   of  a  Miuiftcr  to  his, 

fioftff 


The    ExAMlKER,Eu:.l!S'l.D.  1  5 

People,  the  fame  with  that  of  a  Husband  to  his 
"Wire,  in  refpect  of  their  Obligation  to  attend 
lratcdly  upon  his   Miniftry  l  fee  pag.  133. 

j^.'li.  "  Tho'  we  allow  Men  lfiould  fcek  the 
44  grearer  Good-,  yet  ue  would  ask,  Whether  this 
44  greater  Good  be  molt  likely  to  be  obcain- 
tl  cd  ill  the  Way  of  God's  Appointment,  and 
44  in  the  1'fe  ot  regular  and  not  irregular  Means? 
41  Or  whether  the  Notion  that  liulen  Bread  is 
*4  1  weet,  be  a  true  or  a  falfe  Notion  ?  Or  to  ule 
*4  Mr.  y/s  own  Phrafe,  Zfcjft  Ml  fo  tf£  //A'e  4  Jw/, 
41  who  forfakes  his  own  cliafte  Wife,  in  Hopes  of 
M  getting  more  Pleafure  in  the  Embraces  of  a  Stium- 
44  pet  <* 

The  Former  agrees  well  with  what  they  fay,  p*g. 
116.  thus,  44  Is  it  not  fome  Affront  to  fay,  in  the 
11  open  Parlour,  that  Doll  is  as  gcodasmy  L.uly  \  but 
14  muft  fhe  be  better   too  V 

Thac  there  is  an  Obligation  upon  the  People 
to  attend  upon  their  Pallors  Miniftrations  itaredly, 
I  do  not  deny  but  affirm  ;  but  id  the  mean  Time, 
I  abhor  the  No:ion  of  the  ghienflS)  viz.  ^Tbaty  that 
Obligation  is  equal  to  the  Xar.iage  C.utrstf  :  For  it  lo> 
it  will  neccfTaiily  follow,  that  every  Time  the. 
Minilter  preaches  to  any  befides  his  own  People, 
he  commks  Adultery »  and  every  Time  the  People 
hear  ano:her,  they  like  wife  commit  Adultery.  At 
this  Rate  a  Minifter  would  be  no  Minilter,  but  in 
his  own  Parifn,  and  every  Time  he  Steps  over 
the  Line,  his  Right  to  exercile  his  mtnifteriaJ  Office 
evanifhes. 

Befides,  according  to  this  Plan,  the  Presbyterian 
Churches,  by  maintaining  the  Lawfulnels  of  the 
tranlponing  of  Minifters  from  one  Place  to  ano 
ther,  in  order  to  exercile  their  Psftoral  Office 
there  ftatedly,  and  that  purely  to-  promote  the 
greater  Good  of  the  Church;  ami  their  acting  ac- 
cordingly is  a  maintaining  and  practifing  of  Adul- 
tery ;  and  do  not  the  gharifts  protels  this  very 
poctrine,  while  they  affuruc  [tie  Pmbfteriap  name, 
D 


z6  The  Examiner,  Examiner. 
ard  have  they  ro;  a&ed  accoraing  to  it,  in  a  pub- 
lick  apd  fecial  Manner  nor  Ion.,  fir.ce  i  Well  then 
don't  they  accord  jig  10  their  ov<n  Plan  of  Rea foiling 
avov»  ard  practiie  Adultery  \  Be  fides  it  may  be 
hcie  obierv'o,  that  the  ghierifls  have  fo  far  forfa- 
ken  the  Pmbyterian  Plai  oi  Government,-  that  they 
have  iti  this  Point  under  debate,  adtbted  the  ri- 
diculous Notion  of  the  rigid  Independents  and 
brcv.ntfJsj  what  little  Rcafon  have  thefe  Men  to 
glorj  u     the   Presbyterian  Name  ? 

Seeing  :he  Relation  between  Paffor  and  People 
is  mutual,  muft  not  what  they  Term  a  Breach  of  it 
be  upon  bo:h  Sides  equally  Criminal?  If  a  Mini- 
iter  may  io  from  the  People  to  whom  he  is  re- 
la  ed,  and  pre.xh  ftatedly  to  others,  after  a  regular 
Difmiiiio",  in  order  to  do  more  Good  to  the  Souls, 
of  Men,  uhy  then  mayn't  the  People  go  ifacedly 
to  get  greater  Good  to  their  Souls,  after  the  aforc- 
faid  Application,  fhoudn't  we  be  as  careful  to  pro- 
mo:e  ourovn  as  anothers  Good;  And  pray  why- 
are  not  the  Presbytery  as  capable  to  judge  of  Peoples 
getting  Good,  as  of  the  probability  of  a  Minifters 
doing  -Good  ? 

I  have  not  Leifure  nor  Inclination,  to  offer  a- 
ny  Remarks  upon  the  Prophanity  of  the  <%uerif?s9 
their  begging  'he  Queftion  in  debate,  and  many- 
other  Absurdities,  which  are  contain  "d  in  what  I 
have  but  now  cued  from  them.  And  therefore  I 
ihall  only  take  leave  at  prefer) t  to  add  :  That  thefe 
Oppofers  of  God's  Work,  thro*  their  Selfifhnefs, 
and  the  Heat  of  their  Prejudice  have  endeavour'd 
to  confute  virtually  and  confequentially  their  own 
profiled  Opinion  and  Practice,  as  well  3s  the  Senti- 
ir.enrs  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches  univerfally. 
What  a  Shame  is  it,  that  thefe  Men  fhould  caft 
Scandalous  Reflections  upon  the  Body  of  the  rejtrmed 
Chttrcbtiy  and  labour  to  prove  them  all  to  be  guil- 
ty of   Adultery  as  well  as   themfelves  1 

Pray  hasn't  every  ordained  Minifter,  an  habitual 
Relation  tQ  the  whole  viftble  Church?  And  muft 

noi 


The  E  x  a  m  i  n  e  r  ,  E  x  a  m  i  n  i  n.        27 

not  this  be  brought  iino  Exercife  as  to  particular 
Sociedes,  in  a  regular  Manner,  as  the  greater 
Good  of  the  whole  requires,  is  it  not  contrary  to 
common  Senfe,  to  immagine  that  feeing  every  Mi- 
niiter,  has  an  habitual  Relation  to,  and  is  a  Member 
of  the  whole  viiible  Church,  and  is  by  Conilience 
and  Oifcce  oblig'd  to  promote  the  greater  Good 
thereof,  that  his  -a&ual  Relation  to  any  particular 
Branch  of  it,  fhould  continue  any  longer  than  is 
confident  herewith  ?  As  the  common  Maxim  rx 
#nrne  Leonem>  by  the  Qaiu  the  Lyon  is  knomnt.  So  the 
Reader  by  thi .  Inftance  may  guefs  at  the  Temper 
of  the  <%uerijist  and  their  manner  of  trifling  in  De- 
putation.   buL  enough  of  this 

I  return  to  our  Lxamiriers  Performance,  and  beg 
liis  Pardon  that  I  have  inter ip ted  by  fo  long  a 
Digreflion,  my  remarks  upon  it  ;  and  doing  it  the 
Jultice  it  deferves.  But  feeing  it  was  only  to  pay 
ibme  Complements,  to  a  Work  of  his  dear  Friends, 
which  he  has  in  fo  high  Efteem  ;  I  hope  he  will 
have  me   excus'd. 

The  Examiner  fays,  pag,  4  *  That  Mr.  7's  zealous 
il  Advocates  here,  and  clfewhere,  have  by  Way  of 
"  Chari  y,  difpers'd  about  the  Country,  great  Nun**- 
«'  bers  of  the  lafc  Edition,  (meaning  of  the  Notingbam 
V  Sermon)  tending  to  corrupt  the  Minds  ot  People, 
**  from  the  Simplicity  w  hich  is  in  C  u  r  i  s  t  ,  and  to 
*'  promote  that  Coufufion  and  feperatiug  Spiiic, 
}'«  which  he  himfelf  has  been  inttrumental  in  railing 
<*  ir.  many  Places.** 

Jnptv.  What  this  Author  Means,  by  the  Simplici- 
**  ty  which  is  inC  h  i  s  t  ,  I  cannot  tell,  butfure  I  a.n 
that  inftead  of  corrupting  Mens  Minds,  6cc.  it  tends 
to  prevent  their  being  corruptee,  to  inform  them 
of  the  Danger  of  an  ungodly  Miuiury  ;  and  to  direct 
M<tn  to  the  beft  Means,  has  a  direft  Tendency 
to  bring  them  to  C  h  r  i  s  t  ,  and  to  the  Simplicity 
that  is  in  him.  Both  v.  hich  Particulars  are  the  Sub- 
ftance  and  Scope  of  that  Sermon,  (winch  this  Au- 
thor oppofes)  and  therefore  k  y;as  an  act  ot  true  Cha- 
D  2  lity 


The  Examinee,  Eiami  n  e  r>. 
ri:y>  in  thofe  whom  he  calls  my  Advocates,  to  d\Q- 
perfe  them.  Bur  on  the  Contrary  to  excite  People 
to  an  Inriiffercncy  in  their  Choice  of  Minifters,  or 
to  encourage  unconverted  Men  to  come  into  the 
Miniftry,  or  to  be  offended  at  the  odious  Characters, 
the  Scriptures  give  them,  or  to  befriend  them  in 
their  fordid  Opposition  to  Gods  Work  and  Servants, 
Is  a  finful  Simplicity,  and  horrid  Cruelty  !  And  that 
the  Examiner  is  Guilty  of  all  tbefe  Things,  either 
exprcfly  cr  virtually,  will  appear  I  truft  hy  the  fol- 
lowing Pages. 

The  Sermon  rightly  under  flood,  has  no  tendency 
to  promote  Confufion  and  a  feparating  Spirit.  If 
I  had  aiferted,  that  a  certain  Knowledge  of  the  States 
of  others  was  attainable,  or  thafuncoiiverteriMiniffers 
-were "never  us'dasMeans  of  doing  Good,  or  that  it  was 
a  Sin  to  hear  them,  or  that  it  was  lawful  to  go  (tatcdly 
from  the  hearing  of  thatMiniitcr  whom  we  are  under 
a  delation  to,  at  our  Pleafure,  there  would  be  fome 
"Umbrage  or  Reafon  for  the  Charge  ;  but  feeing  I 
"have  laid  neither  of  thele,  but  on  the  contrary  ai\ 
.-fcrted  the  neceiTity  of  previous  Application,  &c. 
the  Charge  is  without  any  real  Foundation. 

This  Author  farther  adds,  «  that  I  my  felf  have, 
€l  been  instrumental,  of  railing  in  many  of  their. 
ct  Places,  Confufion  and  a  fepararing  Spirit." 

Jnf.  It  is  a  notorious  Fs^fliopd,  ^fboufamtf  in  N.  En-. 
rLvulcdu  witnefs  that  J  fpakc-feldom  of  theMiniflry  at 
all;  not  one  Word  came  out  of  my  Lips,  in  Favour  of 
Separating  from  them.  But  if  this  Author  means 
by  CpiifVifiafl  and  a  feparating  Spirit,  a  Scriprural 
and  rational  Diftrefs  of  Soul  for  Sin,  and  a  Sepa- 
ration from  it  in  Affection  and  Pra&ife,  he  in  that 
Fcufc  (peaks  the  Truth,  thefe  Things  I  confers 
J  wa,  ([Ijro'  Grace)  inftr  urn  ental  in  railing,  in  ma- 
jiv    of   their  Places. 

But  to  confirm  his  awful  Charge  he  adds  this  In- 
.yiw.ible  Argument  viz.  "  For  many  are  fully  per- 
<<  (waded,  that  Mr.  7\s  Sermon,  and  practice  upon 
<<  jr.  have  fyvvn  the  Seeds   of  all  the  Difcord,   In- 

««  uufion,. 


The  Examiner,  Examined  Z? 
11  trufion,  Confufion,  Separaion,  Hatred,  Variance, 
«<  Emulation  Wrath,  Strife,  Seditions,  Herefys,  &c\ 
••that  have  been  bringing  up,  in  Co  many  of  the 
••  Towns  and  Churches  thro*  the  Province  for 
41  two  Years   psir." 

Jvf.  A  dreadful  Inditement  indeed  if  true,  con- 
fining of  eleven  Particulars,  and  yet  behold  and 
wonder  there's  fomething  left  behind  unexprefVd,  for 
there  is  an  &>  cetera  at  the  Heels  of  it '  But  it  is  my 
Comfort  that  his  Libel  is  falfe  and  ridiculous. 
Mechinks  if  the  Examiner  has  any  remains  of  Con- 
ference left,  it  mud  needs  make  him  uneafy  and 
afhamed,  that  he  has  utter 'd.  eleven  FaKhoods 
at  a  Breath  ;  but  pray  Sir,  why  didn't  you  favour 
us  with  the  whole  Catalogue  of  Crimes,  was  you 
aware  that  you  had  already  meniioned  more  than 
you  could  prove,  if  To  it  was  diibeet  in  you  noc 
to  proceed  farther,  but  to  make  an  Ei  cetera  fupply 
the  Place  of  Particulars.  Terrible,  and  have  I 
fown  the  Seeds  of  Herefy  and  Trcafon  too  a- 
mong  you.  Alack  and  alas  a-day?  Why  didn'c 
you  charge  me  with  Murder  and  Blafphemy  alfo  ? 
For  you  had  as  much  Reafon  for  thefe  as  for  the 
others,  aye  Treafon  !  Is  this  your  Chancy  1  do  you 
want  the  civil  Sword  to  be  drawn  againft  me  as 
a  Rebel  to  the  State  for  preaching  Faith  and  Re- 
pentance fuccefsfqlly  1  wou'd  you  embrue  your 
Hands  in  my  Blood,  that  trave I'd  thro'  the  Winter 
Cold  to  do  yourCountry  Good  ?  But  pray  Sir,  where 
are  the  Proofs  of  the  aforefaid  Charge  ?  Why  this% 
il  That  many  are  fully  perfwaded,  that  my  Ser- 
*<  mon  and  Practice  upon  ic,  have  fown  the  Secds^ 
*•  Sec.  as  aforefaid." 

Mf-  And  what  if  they  be  ?  I i*s  either  thro*  tbf 
Force  of  their  prejudice,  or  by  falfe  Information. 
JMany  more  in  Kpw-EvgLwd,  know  the  unreafona-» 
Wenefs  and  ial/hood  of tha.  Perfuafjon, 

The  Charge  of  my  praftifmg  upon  the  Sermon, 
fuppofes  in  my  Apprehenfioti,  thac  that  Sermon 
was  generally   known  by  the  People  of  ##«p-£kigfe*^ 

either 


$o  *Tlie  Examiner  Examinbij 
cirhcr  before  or  when  I  was  among  them,  which 
isfaile;  unleis  our  Author  rakes  preaching  Original 
$?#,  Faith,  Repentance*  fjujiijicction  by  the  Rigktfoufmft 
pfC  H  R  i  $  T  ajom,  the  Conviction  of  Sin,  ths  blew  Birth, 
and  tl>e  necejpty  cf  a  holy  Life,  to  be  fov,ing  the  Seeds 
of  Difcord,  I  am  not  .•.uilty.  Multitudes  know 
that  theie  v. ere  the  Dcdtrines  which  I  ptincipally 
preach'd  upon  in  Kelp- England.  I  may  add  like  wife, 
thati:  is  .veil  known,  that  there  was  no  fuch  Divi- 
fionsin  ff. England  when  I  was  in  it,  as  have  /ince 
happened.  Biu  fuppo C\ ng  there  had  been,  it  would 
not  have  prov'd  the  Charge  of  Confulion,  much  lefs 
of  Kerefy,  except  I  had  fpokef)  Something  that 
had  a  Tendency  thereto,  Would  not  it  be  unrea- 
sonable to  charge  the  ApoftleP^/,  with  all  the  Tu- 
mults whieft  jometimes  attended  his  Preaching  of 
which  it  was  aot  the  Caufe,  but  innocent  Occanon 
only.  Would  xhe  Examiner  Charge  our  Lord,  with 
being  the  Author  of  Confuiion,  becaufe  he  tells  us 
that  he  came  not  to  fend  Peace,  but  fire  and  Divifion  ? 

But  our  Authpr  proceeds  to  repeat  his  Charge 
in  the  following  mviduous  Terms-,  viz..  "  Wno 
■•*  hath  been  lb  Inftrumental  to  hatch  the  Cockatrice, 
'*  a$  himfeif,  tho*  at  the  fame  Time  he  could  grave- 
**  ly  Advife  others,  to  crulli  it  in  the  Egg." 

Jnfa,  This  would  be  very  inconiifteht  if  true, 
but  in  as  much  as  it  is  Falfe,  it  mult  be  laid  at  his 
own  Door.  I  befeech  the  Examiner  to  confider  fe- 
rioully  the  following  Lines,  in  the  14.  pag.  of  that 
Sermon  he  fo  much  Dill  ikes.  "  JUat.  23.  1%.  IVo 
V*  unto  you,  Scribes  andPbarifccs,  hypocrites ,  for  ye  put  up 
4t  tpe  Kingdom  of  Heazen  again f  Men)  for  ye  neither  g9 
*'  hi  your  flies ,  nor  fuffcr  i-.ofe  that  are  entcing  to  go  in. 
V  Pharife  Teachers  will  with  the  utmoft  Hate,  op- 
?'  pofe  the  very  Work  of  Gods  Spirit  upon  the  Souls 
?c  of  Men,  and  Labour  by  all  Means  to  blacken  it, 
44  as  well  as  the  Inftruments,  which  the  Almighty 
"  improves  to  promote  the  fame,  if  it  come  near  their 
€i  Borders,  and  Interferes    with  their  Credit  or  Inte- 

*<  reft ;  thus  did  the  Pharifees  with  our   Saviour. 

«  May 


The  Examiner,  Examiked.  51 
May  Almighty  God  incline  our  Author,  to  exa- 
mine impartially  1  if  this  be  not  his  Cafe  and  Prac- 
tice ? 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  fay,  "  Whoever 
"  will  take  Pains  to  confider  the  main  Scope  of 
«  Mr.  ^'s  Sermon  at  Kettitigham,  will  find  the 
"  Principles  of  it,  fubveiiive  of  Gofpel  Order* 
«*  the  publick  Miniltry,  and  publick  Means  of  E- 
•<  ducacion;  and  what  have  we  more  ?  What  could 
•«  touch  the  Apple  of  our  Eye,  like  this  fatal  Blow  ? 
•*  It  is  a    Blow  at  the  Root1" 

jfttf.  If  the  Charge  was  crue,  that  Sermon  wou'd 
defer ve  the  molt  fpeedy  Condemnation.  But  where 
is  the  Proof?  Why  the  Examiners  AiTertion,  or  ipfe 
dixit  :  But  will  this  fuffice  the  Impartial,  no  furely  ! 
Whatcan*t  the  Danger  of  an  unconverted  Miniltry  be 
reprefented,  and  private  Seminaries  of  Learning 
be  erected,  efpecially  where  there  are  no  pubiick  ones, 
without  endangering  the publickMiniftry,  ana  publick 
Means  of  Education  ?  Strange  !  V\  Iiat  No -.ion  then 
muft  this  Gentleman  have  of  the  Miniftry  1  Does  he 
think  they  are  all  unconverted  *:  If  fo,  he  is  very 
uncharitable  indeed  !  I'm  forry,  it  fhould  touch 
hrm  lb  near  as  the  Apple  of  his  Eye,  to  have 
the  Danger  of  an  unconverted  Mimitry  fet  forth 
as  in  my  I  otingham  Sermon  ;  if  he  were  not  too 
nearly  related  to  them,  methinks  it  woudn't  touch 
him  in  fo  tender  a  Part,  bat  on  the  contrary 
it  would  make  him  gird,  to  fee  their  Picture  Co 
juftly  drawn,  that  fo  they  migh:  fee  their  Faces 
in  that  Glafs,  and  be  convine'd  and  afhamed.  It 
the  Sermon  be  a  Blow  at'  the  Root,  as  our  Author 
obferves,  it  is  at  the  Root,  of  an  un-odly  Mini- 
ftry, and  is  our  Author  forry,  that  that  Root  of 
BLcernefs  mould  be  ftruck  at  I  When  I  compos'd 
it,  I  expected  it  would  be  judged  by  that  Tribe  ic 
detected,  as  guilty  ot  Scandalum  Magnatum,  as  wor- 
thy of  Bonds  and  of  Le«th.  I  fuppos'd,  it  would  be 
like  rouiing  a  Wafps  Neft,  and  I  have  found  in 
S^ceording    to  my   Expectation.    The  Oppofers    of 

God's 


%  i  The  E  x  A  m  i  s'  i  R ,  Examined. 
God's  Work,  have  dip't  their  Tongues  and  Pens 
in  Gall,  and  by  their  Malignant  Invectives,  have 
endeavour'd  to  bury  us  Author  in  Kuins  ;  but 
toeradvtffiiUJe  it  may  have  a  Refurfeefion  to  their 
Terror  and  Shame.  What's  the  matter  tha:  thcie 
Men,  can  find  nothing  agreeable  in  thai  Sermon, 
that  fo  exactlv  defciibes  iU  naked  Iruthy  the  very 
Character  Cafe  and  Pranks  of  the  ungodly  Clergy  ': 
Suppofing  fome  Things  in  it  were  worded  in  too 
{trong  Terms,  what  then*  iliou'd  they  condemn 
all  for  this,  and  want  to  commit  it  to  the  Flames  ? 
Indeed  I  think  this  Method  of  Proceeding,  looks 
very  fufpicious  and  Points   out    who  they  are? 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  produce  the  Sen- 
timents of  a  Schifmatlcal  Party  whom  he  calls  the 
Synod,  wherein  they  condemn  my  Sermon  preach- 
ed at  hctlngham,  as  a  notable  Initance  of  our 
lowing  Seeds  of  Divifion*  u  And  we  charge  him 
**  fey  they  >  with  perverting  Scripture,  uncharitable 
«*  rain  judging  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Ge- 
«*  neration,  in  the  Lump,  and  encouraging  Factions 
<«  and  Diforders    therein  !" 

jivf  Perhaps  this  Gentleman  thinks  to  grace  and 
firengthen  his  fide  of  the  QuelUon,  by  the  Name 
of  Synod  But  1  would  have  him  to  confidcr,  that 
adhucfitb  judice  lis  ejl.  The  Point  is  in  difpute,  whe- 
ther the  Party  he  (peaks  of,  be  the  Synod  ofPki- 
delphia  or  not,  I  humbly  conceive  they  will  not  be 
found  fo  in  the  IlYue,  being  but  a  minor  Party 
to  thofe  whom  they  condemn.  • 

As  to  the  Charge  of  Perverting  Scripture  in  that 
Sermon,  I  deny  ir,  I  have  better  Interpreters,  than 
them  on  my  Side,  that  juitiry  the  t)t'n(c  1  have 
given  of  the  Scriptures  in  that  Sermon.  The  Scrip- 
tures produced  anfwerthe  Defign  I  bro'c  them  for. 
darnel v,  to  ihew  the  Danger  of  an  uneonvert- 
co  Miiiiitry.  And  that  the  Almighty  does  not  approve 
of  natural  Mens  taking  upon  them  the  Miniltry  iii 
the  ordinary  Time  of  the  Gofpel.  It  is  they 
thai  lwve  peivcr;ed  my  Meaning,  and  io  in  ^OI1~ 

iequciicc 


The  E  x  a  m  i  n  i  R  ,  E  x  a  m  i  K  t  p .         53 
Jcquence  thereof,    would  Charge  upon  me  a  pervCrt- 
ng  of  the  Scripture.    .  _ 

As  to  what  they  call,  uncharitable  judging  of  the 
Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Generation,  I  would  ask 
them,,  what  they  think  thcmiclves;  Do  they  Im- 
magine,  that  the  greater  P..rt  of  the  Miniiiers  of 
this  Generation,  are  pious  ?  Let  them  fpeak  out  up- 
on this, Head.  Are  not  the  greateft  part  of  the 
Cler°y  of  this  Generation  Papiils,  and  is  it  unchari- 
table to  fay  that  fuch  are  unconverted  ?  And  are 
not  many  of  the  Proteftant  Clergy  very  unfound 
in  Principle,  and  unholy  in  Life  ?  And  is  there  not 
a  i;reat  Number  of  others,  who  have  a  Form  bin: 
hate  the  Power  of  Godlinef.?  Have  not  many  thole 
Marks  of  Impiety  that  are  mention'd  in  that  Ser- 
mon  which    they   oppofe  ? 

Truly  I  mud  confefs,  that  the  more  I  have  had 
to  do  with  them*  and  perceiv'd  the  Malignant  Op- 
pofition  of  fome  of  tham,  againft  God's  Woric  and 
Servants,  the  more  my  Opinion  has  been  ftrength- 
ened  respecting  the  greatnefs  of  the  Number  of 
gracelefs  Minifters.  As  to  their  Charge  of  Towing 
Seeds   of  Divifion. 

I  would  anfwer  them  in  thefe  Words  of  the  Not- 
inrham  Sermon  pag.  25  '«  the  proper  Caufe  of  fin- 
"  ful  Divifions,  is  that  Enmity  againft  God  and 
««  Holinefs,  which  is  in  the  Hearts  of  natu- 
"  ral  Men  of  every  order,  being  ftirr'd  up  by  the 
"  Devil  and  their  own  proud  and  felfifh  Lufts  ;  and 
<4  very  often  natural  Men,  who  are  the  proper 
**  Caufes  of  the  Divifions  aforefaid,  are  wont  to 
"  deal  with  God's  Servants,  as  Potiplars  Wife  did 
*«  by  Jofeph,  they  lay  all  the  Blame  of  their  own 
u  Wickednefs  at  their  Doorsy  and  make  a  loud 
li  Cry.  tfbis  is  truly  the  prcfentdfe. 

It  is  a  Fruit    of  our  Authors   irrong  Prejudice,   to 
reprefent  me  as  holding  in  my  Hotingham  &  Moravian 
Sermons,  two    Principles  as  oppofite  as  the  Heathen 
Principles,  of  a   good  and  evil    God,    as   will  ap- 
pear I  \mk  by  the  Sequel, 
■ .  h 


34        The  Exahinu,  Eu.m5K!1, 

But  to  proceed,  our  Charitable  Exaviir.er,  is  of- 
fended at  the  Rev.  Ministers  of  Boftcn,  for  fpeaking 
honourably  of  my  Per  ion,  and  late  ^Performance, 
refpecring  the  A.evavhns^  it  feems,  as  if  he  grudg- 
ed that  any  ftiou'd  think  or  fpeak  well  of  me,  where 
flow  is  our  Authors  Charity*  which  he  faid  he  put 
on  in  his  firft  pAg.  dosn't  it  feem  as  if  he  had 
drop't  the  Cloak  quite  ? 

Whatifthele  Rev.  Gentlemen,  had  feeh  the  Krt- 
higham  Sermon,  ashefuggefts;  its  like  they  woudn't 
have  fo  dreadful  an  Idea  of  it,  as  our  Author 
(what  their  Opinion  of  the  Sermon  is- 1  know  not.) 
But  on  the  Suppofition,  that  one  or  more  of  them 
■were  of  Opinion,-  that  there  were  ibme  unguarded 
or  exceptionable  Expreflions  in  it,  yet  might  they 
not  confident  with  the  Simplicity  that  is  in 
Christ,  forbear  exprefling  this,  when  they 
-were  not  call'd  to  it.  They  were  not  prefacing 
the  Netingham  Sermon,  but  others*  which  this 
Author  himlelf  does  not  object  again  ft  ;  had  they 
cxprefsM  a  Commendation  of  thefe,  together 
With  aCenfure  becaufe  of  fuppos'd  Exceptions  in  a- 
nother,  wou'd  it  not  have  tended  to  mar  the  life- 
fulnels  of  what  they  recommended,  fliou'd  not 
whata  Perfbn  does  well,  be  commended,  notwith- 
ftanding  of  his  fuppos'd  or  real  Defects  ? 

It  muft  appear  evident  to  every  impartial  Mipd, 
that  the  Rev.  Minifters  of  Bofton,  have  acted  ac- 
cording to  the  Simplicity  that  is  in  Christ, 
by  recommending  a  Performance  which  was  feafbn- 
able,  and  had  ibme  Tendency  to  prevent,  the 
Spread  of  Aoravhmfm  in  this  Land  ;  and  by  giving 
thcAuthor  of  it  thatHonour,  which  they^  thought  was 
juft,  in  order  to  make  the  Performace  of  moreService. 

But  how  to  reconcile  our  Authors  Conduct,  in 
this  Affair  with  the  Simplicity  that  is  in  Christ, 
3  profefs  I  am  at  a  Lofs  ?  If  Jie  has  any  Love  to 
the  Trurhs  of  God,  which  are  now  ft  much  at- 
tacked in  this  Land,  why  does  he  come  out  with 
ftich  Virulence  againft    me  when  I    am  appearing 


The  Examiner, Examined.  55 
tor  them,  and  endeavouring  as  v.-]  I  as  I  can  to  de- 
fend them.  Why  is  he  utterly  filent,  about  what 
I  have  faid  in  Defence  of  the  main  Truths  of  the 
Gofpel  ?  Doe>n't  i;  feem  as  if  fome  AoraUan  or 
Jtfuit  had  hir'd  his  Pen,  to  attempt  by  Hook  and 
Crook  to  render  me  Ridiculous,  that  thus  the  In- 
fluence .of  my  lare  Performance  again  ft  them  might 
be    fruitra:e  ? 

This    Author    farther   betrays  the  badnefs  of  his 
Caufe,   and    Spirit,   by   deriding  thofe    Rev.   Gen- 
tlemen,   who  are   above    his   Contempt,  by  infir;u- 
■   that  they  believ'd,  fome  Perfon  to  be  infallible 
in   thefe   Words. 

"  If  they  think  as  Proteftants  generally  do,  that 
fj  Iafalibiiiry  may  be  miftaken."— -But  afterwards, 
in  the  lame  Page,  he  grows  more  warm  and  con- 
ttdent,  and  fays,  *'  ic  leems  thai  fuch  a  Prime  Li- 
*'  iirument  of  the  Woik,  that  has  been  going  on  in 
k<  the  American  Provinces,  for  the  two  lalt  Years 
"  muft  be  judged  infallible,  and  fupported  wi.h  the 
44  higheft  Encomiums  of  fix   mod  Rev.  Ministers." 

Jn{.  Why  has  this  Anchor  cbarg'd  fuch  a  noto- 
rious Falfhood,  upon  thefe  worthy  Gentlemen, 
namely,  that  they  have  judged  roe  infallible,  for 
the  which  he  has  not  the  leaft  Foundation  ;  can 
they  not  commend  what  they  judge  to  be  Praife 
Worthy  in  any,  without  fuppofiug  him  to  be  In- 
fallible ?  To  what  Lengths  will  Men's  Rage  and 
Prejudice  carry    them  ? 

And  How  fa!fe  and  ungenerous  is  it  in  our  Au- 
thor, to  charge  thofe  Gentlemen  in  the  fame  p. g. 
with  having  Men's  Perfons  in  Admiration,  becaufo 
of  Advantage.  With  a  Relation  to  me  ;  his  Words 
are  thefe, 

"  But  it  feems  no  Man  dar'd,  or  car'd  to  fay  un- 
M  to  him,  why  doft  thou  fach  Things,  fuch  is  the 
«4  Danger  of  having  Mens  Perfons  in  Aamiration 
"  becaufe  of  Advantage." 

I  anfwer,  What  Advantage  could  thefe  Gentle - 
ascn  propofe  by  a  poor  Stranger,  wh9  was  to  be 


Z.6  The    ExAMl   N  E   R  ,    E  X  A  M  I   NED. 

among  them  but  a  few  Weeks,  and  probably  ne- 
ver like  to  fee  their  Faces  any  more  in  this  World  ? 
And  v/iio  as  our  Author  tells  the  Story,  pag.  S. 
ct  Game  with  a  great  Troop  of  20  or  30  fiorie, 
<»  cntring  into  other  lien's  Labours,  and  devour- 
f*  ing  their  Livings."—  J»f.  !No,  It  was  Love  to 
Gods  Work  which  this  Man  defpifes,  that  excited 
their  Lfteem  of  an  Inftrument,  whom  it  pleated 
the  SovcreignGod  to  improve,  in  promoting  of  it !  But 
if  no  Mans  daring  or  caring  to  fay  to  me,  <zhy  dojt 
lh{>fi{hcli.bi*s?  would  prove  the  Charge  of  having 
JMcn  in  Admiration,'  becaufe  of  Advantage  ;  as  our 
Author  infmuates,  then  the  prefent  Oppofers  of 
Gods  Work  in  K  England,  wou'd  be  as  guilty  of  it, 
as  thofc  v.hom  they  now  unjuftly  defpiie :  For 
v.  here  is  there  one  of  them,  that  luggCRcd  tome 
the  leafl  doubt  of  the  Reality  of  it  then  f  neither 
I  meet  with  the  leafl  Opposition  againft  the 
Doctrines  of  Grace,  which  I  preach 'd,  except  in  one 
or  two  imall  Towns.  The  Truth  is,  the  Convic- 
tion»and  Converfion  of  Sinners,  was  attended  with' 
juch  Majefty  and  Power,  as  aftoniflied  and  terrified 
thole  ungodly  Creatures,  which  were  not  convert- 
ed :  So  that  for  a  Time  hardly  any  of  them  durft 
move  his  Tongue,  much  lefs  his  Ben  againft  it;  but 
i.fter  a  While  the  Influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit  be- 
ing withdraw n,  and  fome  Stumbling  Blocks  falling 
in  the  Way,  obftinate  Tranfgreflors  grow  profane- 
ly bold  in  oppofing  God's  Work?  and  in  traducing 
find  contemning    his  Servants. 

Ohfcive  Header,  how  this  Author  difcovers  his 
Antipathy  againft  the  Work  of  God,  in  the  follow- 
ing Lines.  u  I  heartily  wifh  (fays  he)  he  was  more 
*l  worthy,  for  whom  they  have  done  this,  and 
*«  that  they  themfelves  liad  not  in  this  Labour  of 
ft<  Love,  to  their  dear  and  honouredBrother,  betray \\ 
cv  too  great  a  Liking,  of 'what  is  commonly  cail'd 
kC  this  Work." 

jfnfi  I  joyn  with  this  Author  in  the  firft  part  of 
l\i*  Pedijon,  but  have  Reafon  :o  doubt  fiopi  l%is  pr<*- 

fent 


The   E  X   A   M    I    N*  E   R  ,  E  X  A  M  T    N'  E  D .  ,7 

fent  Performance,  that  if  it  was  anfwercd,  he  wou'i 
like  me  lefs,  if  pollible  than  he  doe*  !  bnc  as  to  the 
latrer  part  of  it,  I  mult  declare  my  diflent,  akho* 
I  queftion  not  his  Sincerity  therein.  Buc  on  the 
contrary,  I  blefs God  who  has  excited  .thoie  worthy 
&  famous  Minifters,  to  appear  as  Witneflcs  to  i-is 
Trurhs  and  Work,  in  a  da/  of  Degeneracy,  Biaf- 
phemv,  and  Rebuke  ;  this  is  their  Honour,  and 
will  be  their  unfpeakable  Advantage  in  a  future 
World  ;  whatever  the  Ignorant  or  Prejudiced  m^y 
fay  ro  the  contrary.  The  World  may  fee  by  this, 
what  fort  of  a  Perfon  this  Examiner  is,  who  attemprs 
to  wound  my  Character  and  Ufcfulinefs,  namely, 
that  he  is  one,  who  diilikes  the  late  Revival  of  Re- 
ligion in  this   Land. 

But  rue  Examiner  proceeds  to  obferve,  UDon  the 
PREFACE  thus.  "  Thefe  Rev.  Gentlemen  fay, 
44  This  our  dear  Brother  vifired  us  at  BcPcn  —o 
44  Years  ago ;  and  in  the  Spirit  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
44  Whitiftliy  entred  into  his  Labours."  Upon  whicia 
he  fays,  44  It's  true  Mr.  Vetwetit  vifited  thefe  Pares 
41  about  trjat  Time,  and  the  Villi  was  full  ot  Ex:ra- 
44  ordinaries,  his  progrefs  thro*  the  Province,  la- 
44  vour'd  more  of  worldly  Pomp  and  Grandeur, 
44  than  the  Humilicy  of  the  meek  and  lowlv  Je  s  u  ?, 
44  he  came  eating  and  dringink,  flopping  over  ths 
44  Country  wich  his  Con?regi,tio  depropop.wda  &c  mag- 
44  nacomitaMte  catzrva,  with  a  Troop  of  twenry  or 
44  thirty  Horfe,  cntring  into  other  Men's  Labours 
44  and  devouring  their  Livings,  having  all  Things 
44  in  common." 

Jnf.  What  Envy  appears  in  this  Reprefentation  ? 
It's  true  fome  Perfons  did  of  their  own  meerMotion, 
without  any  Invitation  of  mine,  accompany  me  in 
my  Travels,  fome  times  more,  and  fomecimes  lefs  in 
Number ;  and  for  what  I  could  learn,  wich  a 
Defireto  receive  Benefit  to  their  Souls  by  my  Preach- 
ing ;  and  what  wou'd  our  Author  have  me  to  do  in 

\)  a  Cafe  ?    Would  he  haye  me  to  drive  them 

away 


$8  The  ExAMlKEK,F,XAfl!KE  »•. 

away?  W>y  does  he  lay  that'  dm  favour  *d  mort, 
of  worldly  Pomp,  than  of  the  Humility  of  the 
meek  and  Jowly  Jlsus?  Didn't  Multitudes 
follow  Chi  lit,  to  attend  his  itinerary  Labours  ? 
And  didn't  he  come  eating  and  drinking  I  Wou'd 
our  Author  have  me  live  without  Victuals  and 
Drink  ?  Or  wou'd  he  have  me  ftarv'd  to  Death  ! 
But  perhaps  the  Emphafis  of  the  Charge,  con  fi  its 
in  galiopphg  over  the  Coufitry.  Really  the  Snow- 
was  fo  acep  duiing  a  good  Part  of  my  Travels, 
that  it  was  no  proper  Scafon  for  gallopping.  I  don't 
remember  for  my  Part,  that  I  gallqp't  any,  but  if 
I  had,  I  don't  fee  the  Harm  of  it.  Methinks  our ■ 
Author's  trifling  in  his  Charges  againit  me  for  the 
Want  of  proper  Materials,  turns  to  my  Commen- 
dation, and  therefore  his  futile  Reflections,*  contra- 
ry to  his  Defign,  are  proper  Panegyrick  upon  me, 
and  a  Satyre  upon  hlmicif.  O !  but  he  fays  that  I 
cnter'd  into  other  Men's   Labours. 

str.f  Its  true  I  pieach'd  in  other  Minitters  Pul- 
pits, but  not  without  their  Confent,  and  where, 
was  the  Harm,  of  this  ?  But  he  adds  devouring 
their   L;vin<.!;s. 


* 


'jfnf.  It's  true,  when  I  was  invited  by  Minifters  or 
others,  to  fray  in  their  Houfes  for  a  Night  or  fo 
in  my  Pafs,  I  generally  comply *d,  and  partook  of 
what  .they  fet  before  me,  and  fo  did  any  that 
were  pleafed  to  travel  with  me.  I  .defy  this  Ex- 
aminer to  prove  that  I  did  either  without  Invita- 
tion ;  and  where  was  the  Harm  of  complying  as 
before  ?  dosn't  the  Examiner  remember  the  old  Pro- 
verb, volenti  nulla  fit  injuriay  to  a  iii{lwg  Per/on  tic  inju- 
ry is  dene.  What  does  he  mean  by  devouring  then  1 
Does  he  intend  that  I,  or  any  of  my  Companions  in 
Travel,  eat  or  drank  to  excefs  ?  If  he  does  let  him 
prove  it  if  he  can  ?  But  here  I  muft  beg  leave  to 
obferve,  with  all  due  gratitude  that  much  Kindnefs 
and  Refpect,  was  Hiewn  me  by  many  in  N.  En- 
glands  in  hofpitable  generous  Entertainments  ;  and 
doss  cur  Author  grudge  &;  grumble  at  this  1 1f  ic  were 

not 


The  Examiner,  Ex  a  minep.  $<> 
not  too  rude  and  uncivil,  I  would  remember  him 
of  a  coveteous  Perfon,  thai  lo-^g  fince  begrudged 
expenfive  Refpect  ihewn  to  our  Lord.  But  ic 
ivas  not  to  his  Honour. 

But  the  Examiner  adds  another  Article  of  Charge, 
in  this  Paragraph,  namely,  having  ail  Things  in 
common . 

yl  As  before  he  had  refembled  me  to  the  Papifts 
in  thefe  Words,  with  his  Qngregatfo  dt  propaganda 
&c.  I  fuppofethe  word  left  ou.  is  Eaith  ;  lb  :ha:  his 
Meaning  is,  that  I  went  galloppin^  abour  win  my 
Companions,  to  propagate  the  Faith.  W'~at  Faith  ? 
Does  he  in  (innate  the  Roman  Cacholkk,  as  his  Form 
of  Expefhon  feems  to  point  to  ?  This  is  exceeding 
invidious,  doesn't  this  Author  know  in  his  Confer- 
ence that  the  Doctrines  of  Faith  which  I  preach'd  in 
JSeiv  England,  were  no  other  than  what  is  con- 
tain'd  in  the  Weftminfter  Confeiiion  of  Faith,  and 
the  Doctrinal  Articles'  of  'he  Church  of  England  ? 
I  fay  as  before  he  refembled  me  to  the  Papitis7,  fo 
here  in  the  ialt  Words  of  the  Paragraph,'  to  the  Le- 
vellers, by  faying  we  had  all  Things  in  common. 
I  will  fay  no  more  cOthis  than  th.it  it  is  another  no- 
torious Faifhood,  either  of  this  Examiners  Invention 
or  Publication. 

The  Examiner  farther  obferves,  in  the  next  Pa- 
ragraph, p.  8.  "  He  came  in  the  Spirit  of  Mr.  White- 
<c  field  indeed,  when  Procalmacion  was  made  before 
4  him  as  Vificor  cr  Vicar-General,  Tne  Rev.  Mr. 
41  <I.  defigns  to  preach  in  fuch  a  City  or  Church 
4t  to-day,  and  to-morrow  in-  another,  and  continue 
**  in  a  Third  arid  get  Gain,  without  the  leaft  Re  ard 
"  to  the  ftated  Puftors  of  the  Cuurches,  lohns,  no- 
41  If  us  ;  pleading  Extraordinaries  for  iufpenoing 
•*  Scripture  Rules." 

A.  This  is  an  unfair  Reprefenta:ion  of  the  Cafe, 
I  lent  no  fuch  Word  to  any  one  Place  in  N.  En- 
glands  that  I  would  preach  in  their  Churches  or 
Towns,  whether  the  Puftors  would  or  not.  When  E 
•arnc  loany  Place,  latere  there  was  a  iecied  Mini- 

fter 


4©  The  £  x  a  m  i  N  t  R ,  Examined. 
Her,  I  never  preach'd  without  firft  apprizing  htm 
of  my  Inclination,  and  if  I  was  nor  prevented  by  his 
Invitation,  asking  his  Leave,  and  this  I  every 
where  obtain'd,  before  I  preach'd  in  any  Place, 
excepting  one,  where  I  came  in  the  Evening,  the 
Minifler  declined  letting  me  preach  in  the  Meeting 
Houfe  that  nk'ht,  for  Rcafons  which  I  thought 
were  not  relevant,  and  being  invited  by  feme'  to 
preach  that  Night,  in  a  private  Houfe,  I  comply  "d, 
at  which  the  Minifter  of  the  Place  was  prefent,  di- 
verfe  People  as  I  was  inform'd,  had  come  rb  the 
Meeting  Houfe,  expecting  Sermon,  and  I  thought  it 
was  a  pitty  they  ftiould  be  difuppointed,  without 
fufficicnt  Caufe,  and  here  it  mould  be  like  wife  ob- 
ferv'd,  that  the  Minifter  did  not  ftrrbid  my  preach- 
ing in  a  private  Houfe,  but  on  the  contrary  fig- 
nified  before  feveral  Perfons,  that  if  I  came  on  a 
Lecture  Day,  he  would  invite  me  to  preach  pub- 
lickly  ;  but  thought  that  ringing  the  Bell  in  the 
Night,  might  furpiiz.e  the  People,  with  an  Alarm 
of  Fire,  and  that  the  People  not  having  fuffici- 
ent  Warning  there  wou'dn't  be  a  valuable  Con- 
vention. But  the  fame  Gentleman  invited  me  to 
preach  in  his  Pulpit  the  next  Day,  and  treat- 
ed me  with  much  Kindnefs  and  Courcefie. 

As  to  what  the  Examiner  lays  about  getting  Gain. 
It  is  exceeding  invidious,  I  neither  needed,  nor  ex- 
pected, nor  defir'd  any  Thin»  for  my  Labours  in 
Is.  England^  H  our  Author  can  prove  any  of  thefey 
iet  him  do  it  as  foon  as  he  pleafes,  was  there  any 
Collection  made  for  me,  in  any  one  Place  in  N.  En-  ' 
glands  for  near  fix  Months  that  I  travell'd  in  it,  and 
preach'd  daily  ?  Nor  was  there  any  Thing  given 
me,  excepting  in  feven  or  eight  Places  in  all  H  En- 
gland, and  that  by  fome  Gentlemen  of  their  own  ac- 
cord, and  was  it  a  Fault  in  me  to  accept  of  their  Ge- 
neroflty  }  What  I  have  now  laid  is  with  no  Defign 
of  reflecting  upon  theGentlemen  oiN. England,  No,  far 
he  it  from  me,  I  hope  CYer  to  retain  a  gratefal  Senfc 


The  Examine*,  Examined;  4* 
of  their  Kmdnefs,  but  only  to  confute  this  ungene- 
rous  Cavil. 

The  next  Article  of  Charge  is,  that  I  plead  Extra  * 

vies  fer  ju/pending  Scripture  Rules.  This  Phrafe  the 
borrow  'd  from  iiis  dear  Bre- 
thren by  :he  Way.  :o  which  I  anfwer,  that  i:  is  alto- 
gether falfe  !  I  had  no  need  of  ufmgany  fuch  Plea, 
for  I  don't  know  that  any  Scriprure  Rule  was  fuf- 
pended  by  my  preaching  in  New  En?lwd,  however 
I  muff  ilill  3lTirt  that  the  Piea  is  in  fomeCafes,  law- 
ful, whatever  Contempt  may  be  catt  upon  it  by  ibme. 
To  fay  that   ordinary  Rides-,  or  Rules  fm  Cafes 

ihould  not  be  '  Cafes  is  a  bare 

fae'd  contradicting  of  an  ancient  Maxim  confented 
to  by  the  common  Senfe  of  Mankind,  viz.  'That  every 
general  Rule  admits  ef  Exceptions,  unlets  it  can  be  pro- 
ved thar  ordinary  and  extraordinary  Cafes  are  the  lame ; 

h  from  the  nature  of  Things  is  impoflible,  the 

ures  in  every  thing  cannot  be  proper  in  both, 
and  to  fay  the  contrary  is  in  other  Words  to  de- 
ny the  lav.fullnefs  of  the  Reformation  from  Pope- 
ry, in  the  Time  of  Swinghus,  Luther,  and  Call  in  \  and 
if  we  mayn't  judge  for  our  felves  when  thefe  ex- 
>  happen,  we  are  Slaves  indeed  of 
the  moft  fordid  kind,  and  rob'd  of  every  Thing 
that's  worth  Keeping  of  a  Religious  Nature.  Hereby 
a  Ci  urch  Tyrany  is  erected,  and  the  hateful  RomifK 
Doctrines  of  impliciteFaith  and  blind  Obedince,  efta- 

zd.    Goo  forbid    that   we  Ihould  caft   away  the 

a  herewith  Chrifl    has  made  us  free,  and 

Men  to  lo  d  it  over  our  Confciences,  and  en- 

with  their  piaudble  Pretext  of  Rule  and 

Order  !  Order,  Order  was  the   Cry  of  the    Pafijls  in 

the    Beginning   of  the  Reformation    from  ropery, 

with  a, View  to  flop  its  Progrefs.    The   Text  they 

trump'd  up  upon  every  Occafion,  as   Doctor  fietius 

.-es  was  Jfat.z$.  3.  JH  therefore  whatever  they  bid 

erve,  that  ohferve  aud  do,  omnia,  omnia,  all,  ajf, 
they  mull  cb.i'erve,  all  the  holy  Tradirions  or  the 
Roman  Catholick  Church,   all    the  holy    Cannons 


4?2  The  Ex  aminer,Examik«1 
and  Orders,  or  be  curs'd  with  Bell,  Book  ark? 
Candle  Light  as  diforderly  and  contemptuous 
Ferfons,  Schifmaticks,  Hereticks,  and  what  not? 
Bur.  the  blclTed  Reformers  better  underftood  the 
Scriptures  and  their  Duty  frorrt  them,  than  to  mind 
their  felfifh  '  imperunet  Cant,  or  to  be  fcar'd  from 
it  by  their  invidious  and  groundlefs  Anathemas 
And  has  not  the  Epifcopal  Church  excommunicated 
all  that  diilent  from  her,  by  her  Cannons.  Now  alt 
that  make  them,  (I  mean  the  Cannons)  will  fay  that 
they  are  agreeable  to  the  Scriptures.  And  fo  Scrip- 
ture Rules. 

In  the  mean  Time  it  muff  be  obferv'd,  that  we 
fhould  with  equal  Care  avoid  both  Extr  earns,  vhf. 
Tyranny  upon  the  one  hand,  and  the  abufe 
of  Christian  Liberty  upon  theother^ 
Truth  and  Duty  lye  between  both,  as  we 
fhould  abhor  wich  a  perfect  Hatred  the  enflaving 
Schemes  of  High  Church  Bigotsy  fo  on  the  contrary, 
we  ihould  equally  abhor  and  avoid,  the  Plea  of  Ex^ 
trwainaries,  except  the  Cafe  be  evidently  fo. 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  fay  in  the  next 
Paragraph,  pag.  8  "  He  came  in  the  Spirit  of 
«4  Mr.  WhittfieU,  when  he  treated  the  Body  of  the 
*l  Miniftry  in  this  Province,  with  fo  much  Neglect 
<«  and  contempt  as  he  did,  not  only  in  not  fuffer- 
"  ing  himfeli  to  hear  any  ofthem,  no  not  in  Bopcv 
«*  itfeif,  except   once  or  twice/" 

Jnf  This  Charge  is  likewife  a  notorious  Falfhood? 
I  never  treated  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  in  any  Pro- 
viuce  of  ISew  England,  with  ■  Neglect  and  Contempt. 
I  have  a  Wicnefs  in  Heaven  and  in  my  own  Bo- 
fpm  that  my  not  hearing  rnnay  of  the  Minifters  of 
2sew  England,  did  not  proceed  front  any  Contempt  of 
them.  The  Cafe  was  plainly  this,  I  was  ftirr'd 
up  at  that  Time  by  the  Almighty  to  uncommon 
Zeal  and  Love  for  the  Salvation  of  Mankind,  fa 
that  unufual  Labours  became  natural  to  me,  daily- 
preaching  was  pleafant  and  deiirable  like  the  re~ 
uuzisaf  my  ftatedMeals.  I  was  therefore  loath  to  n»~ 


The  Examine  r  ,  Exami  n  e  n.  $$ 
«rJe<5t  Opportunities  of  preachirg,  efpeciaily  con- 
liderine  my  full  Perfwafion,  thai  God  was  remark- 
ably with  me,  and  fealed  my  Labours.  The  worthy 
and  Rev.  Minifters  of  Bcjlon,  perceiving  that  a  di- 
vine Blefling  attended  my  Miniftrations,  did  hum- 
bly and  lovingly  invite  me  to  preach  frequently  in 
that  Metropolis,  being  willing  and  glad  that  Gods 
Work  fliou'd  be  carry'd  on ,  by  any  one  the  -Lord 
vou'd  pieafe  to  fend  by  ;  their  condefcending  In- 
vitations I  accepted  with  an  affecting  Senfe  of  my 
own  Unfimefs  and  Unworthinefs,  as  the  Searcher 
of  all  Hearts  knows,  as  well  as  Admiration  at 
the  Humility,  the  Candor  and  Courefie  of  thefe 
Rev.  Gentlemen,  which  I  hope,  I  ftiall  ever  bear 
thankful  Remembrance  ot 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  fay,  <l  but  alfo  in  cm- 
4<  elly  cenfuring  them  (meaning  the  Minifters  of 
"  the  Province)  in  general,  and  railing  Jealou- 
M  fics  in  the  Minds  of  People  of  their  faithful  Mini- 
•'  fters,  even  to  that  Degree  as  hath  ended  in  a  Spirir 
"  of  dreadful  Separation  m  many  Places." 

Jnf  This  is  like  wife  a  notorious  Falfhood.  I  did 
not  cenfure  the  Miniftry  of  their  Provinces  in  ge- 
neral, or  raife  Jealoufies  in  the  Minds  of  the  Peo- 
ple of  their  faithful  Minifters.  I  fpake  but  little  of 
the  Minifters  at  all  in  New  England^  but  never  in 
the  Manner  our  Author  mentions,  the  Almighty 
knows  that  it  was  far  from  the  Thot's  of  my  Heart, 
and  far  from  the  Speeches  of  my  Lips,  to  raife  Jealou- 
fies in  the  Minds  of  People  about  their  fa.ch- 
iul  Minifters.  O  unmerciful  Man/  Who  thus 
by  repeated  Falihoods  and  MifreprefentatioMs,  en- 
deavouring to  ftab  my  Character  and  Labours  in 
the  Dark.  And,  thro*  me,  the  Work  and  Servants 
of  the  great  God.  What  is  your  Name,  I  know  not, 
but  the  God  of  Truth  and  Righteoufnefs  knows 
you,  and  remember  he  will  bring  you  to  Judgment, 
your  falie  Gloffes  will  be  then  rcmov'd.  May  God  of 
his  Mercy  forgive  your  Wickednefs,  and  have  Pi- 
Ay  on  your  poor  Soul  for  liis  Names  fake.  The 
F  2  D. 


44  The  Examiner,  Examine  ». 
Defire  of  my  Heart,  and  the  Tendency  of  my 
Labours  in  Few  England  was  only  to  bring  poor 
Sinners  to  Christ,  and  to  build  up  Saihts  in 
him.  I  profefs  to  the  World,  tiiar  my  Eftcena  of 
the  Win. dry  of  N.  England,  was  touch  encrcas'd 
by  acquaintance  with  them.  I  am  fully  perfwad- 
ed  that  there  is  a  confiaerable  Bocly  of  worthy  and 
faithful  Labourers,  in  that  Part  of  the  Lords  Vine- 
yard . 

As  to  what  our  Author  fays,  of  the  longnefs 
ftf  my  Journey  to  K  England  ;  for  brevity's  fake  I 
lhall  refer  to  the  Letter  I  pi  i  ted  in  .New  England^ 
iefpe£ting  the  Occaiion  of  my  travelling  that  Way. 
And  only  add,  that  I  had  ro  Intention  to  aftront 
any  Body  by  my  Travels,  I  had  no  fuch  Con- 
ctp  ion  bf  the  Journey  as  our  Author  reprefents, 
otherwife  I  would  not  have  undertaken  it,  neither 
•was  it  in  my  Heart  to  imagine  that  there  was  no 
Body  like  minded,  or  cc.prHe  to  water  where  the  Rev 
&V.  Whirefictd  haa  planted,  as  our  Examiner  obrerves. 
Pray  wrhy  mayn't  one  Minifrer  preach  in  another's 
Place,  by  his  Confent,  witrnut  a  barefae'd  arrront 
to  him  ?  And  isn't  the  Cafe  the  fame  as  to  many 
Places  1  To  think  otherwife  as  I  humbly  conceive, 
.is  contrary  to  common  Senfe,  and  denotes  an  odd 
Turn  of  Mind? 

But  let  us  attend  to  our  Author,  in  his  o  pag. 
He  goes  on  thus  u  but  then  are  thefe  "Rev.  Mell 
••  of  the  fame  Mind,  Spirit  and  Judgment,  did  they 
*'  come  in  the  fame  Spirit,  when  Mr.  Whitejield 
•*  in  his  Journal,  part  ^d  pag.  6^.  fayech,  Vhejeio- 
4<  dtly  Comrljicns,  J  believe  come  from  the  Levi  I ;  whot 
*l  now  theU  ork  of  GUI)  ii  going  on  y  wants  to  bring  an 
*<  evil  Report  »pcn  it  ?  And  -feeing  that  nothing  is 
4<  more  evident,  than  that  Mr.  lennent  is  the  grand 
**  Inftrufnent  of  promoting  thofe  animal  Convuiu- 
**  ons,  into  which  many  of  our  new  Con  verts  have 
41  fallen,  and  upon  which  fo  great  a  Strefs  is  laid 
fc  by  rnany  in  the  Work  of  Conveifion." 

--"         fa 


•The  Examines,  Examined.        4  J 

J!*f  The  Heat  of  our  Authors  Prejudice,  has 
confus'd  him  much  in  this  Paragraph,  he  Shifts  about 
this  Way  and  that  Way,  in  order  to  caft  his 
£ quibs  at  Mr.  Whitef.tid,  the  Bofion  Minifters,  and 
mv  fclf  And  firft  he  gravely,  but  impertinently,  asks 
the  Minifters  of  Bofion,  whether  they  are  of  the  famt 
Adt.d,  Spirit  and  Judgment  with  A'r.  Whitcfield  '(  How 
cbildifli  is  this,  theie  Rev.  Gentlemen  Co  far  as  I 
know,  have  never  fo  much  as  infinuated,  that  they 
or  I  were  of  his  Judgment,  in  every  circumftantial 
or  minute  Point  ;  but  both  of  us  may  be  juftly 
faid  to  be  of,  or  in  the  fame  Spirit,  when  we  a- 
gree  with  him  in  the  fundamental  Doctrines  of 
Religion,  and  are  difpovd  to  promote  and  encou- 
the  fame  vital  Godlinefs  with  him.  And  this 
I  believe  was  their  Meaning,  in  thefe  Words  of 
their  Pieface  which  our  Examiner  criticifes  fo  much 
upon.  But  his  farcaftical  enquiring  of  the  Bofion  Mi- 
nifters, whether  they  came  in  the  fame  Spirit  ?  When  Mr. 
Wliujiel'  and  C.  as  has  been  related,  confider'd 
inConnection  with  that  Paflage  in  the  Preface,  which 
he '.rumbles at,  cannot  weil  be  reconcil'dto  that  com- 
mon Sortie  to  which  he  appeals  in  hisTidePage  :  For 
theRev.  Minifters,  whom  oar  ill  natur'd  Author  fleers 
at,  were  in  Bofion  at  that  Time  he  refers  to.  This  was 
the  Place  of  their  hVd  Refidence.  See  the  Force  of 
Prejudice,  it  will  fometimes  drive  Men  of  Wit  and 
Addrefs,  into  Impertinence  and  aNotifenfe,  as  well 
as  Faifhood;in  order  to  gratify  its  Rancour.  'Tis 
like  our  Au:hor  is  a  Man  of  Senfe,  Sed  aliquando 
bonus  dormitat  Komerus,  Sometimes  Homer  Jleeps.  His 
unhappy  Prejudice  is  fo  ftrong,  that  it  feems  fome- 
times to  difturb  his  Judgment,  fo  that  he  talks  od- 
ly  like  a  Man  juii  wak'd  out  of  Sleep,  who  had 
been  dreaming  offome  dreadful  Events:  Witnefs 
the  frightful  Catalogue  of  Crimes,  which  he  put  in 
his  Indictment  againlt  me,  before  mentioned, 
namely,  Dijcord,  Ir.tr  itfion,  CnfuJion>  Separation ,  Ha- 
tred, Variancty  Emulation,  /> 'rath,  Strife,  Seditions,  Here* 
jiv}  &c.    ice  pa£  j .    Aud  hen  he  is  food  to  bring 

in 


4#  The  Exa  m!kj!R,Exawi  n  e  r» . 
in  abruptly,  a  Paflage  of  Mr.  H'bitef eld's  Journal* 
about  bodily  Comulfions ,  "which  was  not  furfi- 
ciently  guarded,  that  he  might  offer  fome  matter  of 
Reflection  and  Triumph.  However  if  the  Affair 
be  examined,  there  will  be  found  Utile  Reafon  for 
either.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Wl/ittfield  has  not  laid  that 
he  believes,  that  all  theft  bodily  Convulsions  came  frorm 
tie  Devil,  and  if  he  had,  neither  the  Rev.  Minifters, 
of  Bopm  (ib  far  as  I  know)  or  my  felf,  have  ever 
been  of  that  Opinion.  Theft:  Thirds  may  be  other 
ways  accounted  for,  confident  with  the  animal  Oeco- 
nomv.  What  if  that  dear  Servant  of  God,  Mr. 
If'ijcfelri  had  been  miftaken  in  a  circumiiantial 
Point  ?  Shall  his  Spirit,  his  State  and  Temper  of 
Mind,  be  condemned  for  this  ?  Or  the  Stare  and 
Temper  of  others,  becaufe  they  agree  not  with 
him  herein  ?  Is  this  our  Author's  Charity,  which 
he  talks  fo  much  of  1 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  fay,  "  And  feeing 
il  nothing  is  more  evident,  than  that  Mr.  Vennent. 
%*  is  the  grand  lnftrumcnt  of  promoting  thole  a:ii- 
**  mai  Convulsions,  into  which  many  of  our  new 
"  Converts  have  fallen,  and  upon  which  fo  great 
"  a  Strefs  is  laid,  by  many  in  the  Work  /of  Con- 
}*  veriion." 

,.  Kothing  is  more  evident,  than  that  this  is  a 
notorious  Falfhood,  viz.  Vhat  1  am  the  grand  Inftru- 
•ment  of  promoting  tlofe  animal  Convuljlons.  This  Ca- 
lumny is  invented  by  the  Father  of  Lies,  the  JLccu- 
feroftle  Brethren,  in  order  to  caft  odious  Colours, 
upon  the  Work  of  God,  and  me  his  Servant.  Ali 
my  Congregation,  and  Multitudes  more,  can  wit- 
nefs,  that  I  never  encouraged  thofe  Things,  but 
on  the  contrary,  that  I  have  from  the  firtt  Begin- 
nings of  fuch  Appearances,  in  this  Part  of  the  Coun- 
try (which  was  Jong  fince)  endeavour'd  in  the 
openeft  Manner  to  difcourage  and  check  them, 
yea  fometimes  to  fuch  Decree,  as  has  griev'd 
feveral  religious  People.  I  have  repeatedly  done 
this  before  many  thoufands  ot  Hearers* 


The  E  x  a  m  i  n  e  r  ,  E  x  a  m  1  m  e  i?.         47 

But  our  Aurhor  farther  adds,  "  That  great 
««  Strefs  is  laid  upon  thefe' animal  ComuJfions,  by  ma- 
•«  ny  in  the  Work   of  Converfion." 

Anf.  What  does  the  Examiner  mean  by  that  Phrafe 
"tnt'e  Ifork  of  Coirjerjion  ?  Does  he  think  that  Con- 
viction ltri<5tly  conlidered  is  gradual,  then  he  is 
an  Jrmriian  ;  and  its  no  wonder  he  diflikes  my 
Difcourfes  a^ainit  the  Auoraviansy  and  indeed  tiiis 
is  the  moft  natural  and  eafie  Stnfe  of  his  Words. 
Or  does  he  fpeak  of  Converfion  in  a  larger  Senfe 
as  including  the  preparative  of  Order  viz.  Con- 
viction, as  well  as  the  Fruits  thereof,  and  mean 
thus,  that  fome  depend  upon  thofe  bodily  Convulfictrs 
as  a  Si^n  of  Converfion.  In  the  firir.  Senfe  his 
Charge  cannot  be  true,  becaufe  Converfion  in  that 
refpect  is  inltan:aneous;and  tho'the  latter  may  be 
true,  yet  I  have  great  Reafon  to  believe  i:  to  be  faife  : 
The  Notion  is  abfurd  and  ridiculous,  contrary  to 
common  Senfe,  and  therefore  improbable  to  be  true. 
Befides  I  never  met  with  one  Man  in  any  Part 
of  America,  that  was  of  that  Opinion  ;  or  that  ac- 
quainted me  that  he  or  they  knew  any  one  to  hold 
it.  But  if  our  Author  only  means  by  the  aforefaid 
Phrafe,  that  many  imagin'd  thofe  oucward  Con- 
'LuIjiojjSy  or  the  excefs  of  Pa/lion  that  occafior.'d 
them,  were  in  any  refpect  Helps  to  Converfion, 
I  will  not  undertake  to  be  tlie  Patron  of  fuch  :  For  I 
think  it  is  an  unreafonable  and  ridicuious  Noti- 
on.  Poflibly  fome  few  ignoranc  Perfons,  have  been 
of  this  Opinion,  but  if  fo  what  then  ?  Shall  their 
Folly  be  imputed  to  the  whole  Body  1  Or  is  it 
a-eafonable  to  reflect  upon  the  wholeWork,  becaufe  of 
the  Weaknefs  of  fome  of  the  Subjects  of  it  ?  Some 
of  the  Oppofers  in  diverfe  Parts  of  the  World, 
have  of  late  infifted  much  upon  this  Topick,  thefe 
iodily  Convulsions  being  fomewhat  uncommon,  and 
furprifing,  they  have  harp'd  much  upon  this  plan- 
ftble  String  ;  in  order  (as  it  leems)  cO  amufe  and 
3tf  ejudics  the  people  a^ainft  the  \Y°xk  of  God ! 

While 


48  The  £xAM!Xn,Ex'AfllNEB. 

While  the  Woman  :he  Uiurcii  a*  been  m 
Travail  among  us,  theDragon  has  fpeu'd  out  Floods, 
Multitudes  of  Slanders  and  Calumnies,  in  order 
to  defhoy  the  Woman  and  her  Child.  This  is  truly 
the  Cafe,  notwkhftanding  of  ail  the  artful  Colour- 
ings, and  decekful  Blinds  that  are  put  upon  it  by 
crafty  Men. 

But  the  Examine?  proceeds  to  fay,  n  Do  they 
"  not  take  the  Devils  Part,  who  ufe  Methods  to 
"  farther  fuch  fad  Appearances,  and  condemn  thenv 
11  for  oppofers  of  Gods  Work,  who  labour  toun- 
<l  deceive  People  about  thefe  Fks,  by  afcribing 
I*  them  to  an  inferior  Caufe  ?" 

Jnf.  If  any  do  ufe  unfcriptural  Methods,  to  fur- 
ther fuch  Appearances  I  think  it  is  blame  worthy* 
and  have  always  been  of  this  Mind  ;  but  I  knew 
of  none  who  condemu  Perform,  as  Oppofers  of 
God's  Work,  meerly  for  their  labouring  to  undeceive 
People  ahmt  the  ajorejaid  Fits,  &c.  Our  Author  with 
much  Art  and  Sophiftry,  mifreprefents  the  true 
State  of  the  Cafe,  both  ways,  firll  by  infinua.ing 
that  there  are  many  Perfons,  who  take  Pains  to 
promote  animal  QmulfwnSy  as  their  principal  Aim  ; 
-this  I  cannot  think  is  true.  A:.y  that  have  ei.cou- 
raged  fuch  Appearances,  have  had  chiefly  in  their 
View  the  increafing  and  fixing  that  Soul  Concern, 
-which  preceeds  Converhon  in  the  Adult :  And  is 
fometimes  accompany 'd  with  fucii  Appearances,  be- 
caufe  of  a  greater  degree  of  Diftreis  which  fome 
endure  in  their  Minds,  which  from  the  nearnefs 
of  the  Union  between  Soul  and  Body,  muft  needs 
have  greater  Influence  upon  it.  If  a  fudden  View 
of  fome  great  temporal  Imergent  does  fometimes 
Occahon  the  greatelt  bodily  Diforders.  Why  then 
fhou'd  it  be  tho't  flrange,  if  Things  of  infinitely 
greater  Weight  and  Moment  when  view'd  in  equal 
Points  of  Light,   do  produce  equal  Eirects  ? 

And  on  the  other  Hand,  he  wou'd  infinuate, 
as  if  the  chief  Caufe  why  many  are  condemned, 
as  Oppofers  of  the  Woik  ot  Godj  is  becaufe  they 


Tue  E  x  a  m  i  n  r.  R ,  E  x  *  m  i  N  t.  d.  49 
'chly  endeavour^  to  give  Perfonj  a  juft  Notion  a- 
bout   thofe   bodily  Commotions.   • 

Jnf  TIic  Cafe  is  not  fb,  wc  are  glad  that.  Peo- 
ple have  juft  Notions  about  fiich  Appearances,  we 
know  the  Work  of  God  is  very  diftinft  from  therm 
But  we  charge  this  Examiner,  and  others  of  hisStamp, 
with  oppofmg  of 'God's  Work,  becaufe  they  fpeak 
diminutively  of  k  al:oge:her,  and  ufe  the  aforckid 
bodily  Commotions  artfully,  as  an  Engine  to  black- 
en the  whole  Work.  This  Charge;  flicks  fo  fa  ft 
to  the  Examiner  and  others  of  his  Brethren  ;  that: 
tho'  they  <waj1}  them  with  Nitre  and  lake  much  &pey  yet  thcti 
Iniquity  is  mwk'd  before  G$d. 

And  now  we  are  prepared,  to  liften  to  whac 
the  Examiner  ofrers  in  his  nexr  Paragraph,  which  is 
as  follows.  "  But  is  it  not  Matter  of  Fact,  when 
"  many  of  the  Hearers  of  fome  Preachers  fall  in- 
•<  to  Convulfion-like  Fits,  and  roar'd,  that  the 
<c  ufaal  Note  of  fuch  Preachers  then  was,  will 
"  Any  of  you  come  to  Chrifl  t  When  at  the  fame 
<l  Time  they  pronoune'd  heavy  Curfes  upon  fuch, 
«*  as  took  nor  fuch  firs,  as  being  hard  hearted 
•«  Pharifees,  6v." 

Jnf.   As  to  the  firft  Part  of  the  Charge,  fomePer-^* 
fons  of  eminence  in  Religion  do  think  the  Method 
therein  arraign 'd  is  juftifiable,  but  for  my  own  P*t» 
I  cannot    lee  the    expediency  ot  it. 

As  to  the  latter  Part  or  it,  it  is  ambiguous,  "  I:  is 
"  laid  they  pronoune'd  heavy  Curfes  upon  fuch, 
"  as  took  not  fuch  Fits,  as  being  hard  hearted  Pha- 
"  rifees." 

Jnf.  If  the  Objector  means  all  fuch,  it  is  doubt-' 
lefs  a  falfe  Charge  :  For  it  has  never  been  fuggeli- 
ed,  fo  far  as  I  can  karn,  even  by  oppofers,  than 
any  who  favour'd  God's  Work  believ'd,  that  the 
Regenerate  mail  undergo  fuch  bodily  Commotion  ; 
and  can  it  be  tho't  that  any  but  mad  Men  wou'd 
pronounce  Curfes  upon  the  Regenerate!  But  madnefs 
has  not  yet,  that  I  remember  been  charged  upon 
the  kfce  awakening  Preachers,  04*is  way)  If  tbt 
£  *  '      Ubie&or 


5.0  The  E  X  A  M  I  N  ?.  R  ,  E  X  A  M  I  N  E  tf , 

Objector  only  means  rhat  fame  took  not,  as  his  Phrafe 
is,  ju.h  TitSy  namely,  the  unconverced,  then  mi^hc 
not  tr.e  Picachers  pronounce  Curfes  upon  fiich  ? 
The  Objector  dosn't  fay  that  heavy  Curies  were 
pronounced  upon  Perfons,  tneerk  becaufe  they  didn'c 
take  iuch  Fits.  But  if  it  be  inimuated  by  the  afore- 
laid  Objection,  that  any  of  thofe  Preachers  wha 
have  favour'd  the  late  Reformation,  were  of  Opinion 
that  enduring  of  bodily  Commotions,  wasofabfo- 
luce  neceffity  to  ConmJ;ont  it  is  a  faifc  invidious 
Slander  contrary  to  common  Senfe. 

But  the  Examiner  has  not  done  with  the  Bojlon  Mi-» 
niilers  yet,  he  goes  on  to  fay  in  his  next  Paragraph 
thus  "  Again  tnefe  Reverend  Gentlemen  fay,  this 
44  our  dear  Brother,  entred  into  Mr.  IVhitefield's 
"  Labour's,  that  is  in  orher  Words,  Mr.  IVkitefield. 
"  planted  and  Mr.  ler.nent  watered,  as  iftheGof- 
**  pel  had  never  been  planted  or  watered  in  this 
H  Wiidernef),  before  thefe  Rev.  Meflieurs,  intro- 
*f  duced  the  Practice  of  itinerary  Preaching." 

Jttf.  Admirable !  That  a  Man  of  fo  much  Cha^ 
iity  as  cur  Author  pretends  to,  could  not  find  a 
more  favourable  Glofs  upon  that  Paffage,  of  the  Rev. 
Minifters  of  Bofon,  will  not  the  Words  bear  this 
eafy  Senfe,  namely,  "  that  Mr.  PFhitefield  was  us'd 
'«*  by  the  Almigh:y,  as  a  Mean  of  reviving  Religion 
"  remarkably  in  hew- England,  and  that  it  pleas 'd  the 
**  Sovereign  God,  to  ufe  me  alfo  in  carrying  on  the 
"  fame  begun  Work  f"  Is  it  not  contrary  to  common* 
Senle,  to  which  our  Author  appeals  in  his  Title 
Page,  to  imagine  that  the  worthy  Gentlemen  mean'c 
other  wife  ?  It  is  very  crofs  grain 'd  in  the  Exami~ 
7ter,  to  cafl  fo  much  Dirt  at  the  Minifters  of  fiojion* 
tvho  are  above  his  Difdain  (and  will  be  efteem'd  by 
the  Devout  and  Judicious  whether,  he  will  or  not) 
and  that  reeerly  becaufe  they  have  a  favourable 
Opinion,  of  Mr.  JVhitcfeld  and  my  felf,  and  that 
bitlVed  Work  ot  God,  which  we  thro'  pure  Grace 
have  been  inftrumental  to  promote.  But  me  thinks 
the  Exmiw  had  better,  be  good  Humour 'dj  for  tho* 

be 


The    E  X  <A  W  I  N  F.  K  ,    ExAMl  NED  '<■  I 

♦ie  fhou'd  free  himfeif  never  ib  much  while  there 
is  Piety  in  New-Englrtd,  there  will  not  be  want- 
ing fome,  among  both  the  Clergy  and  Laity,  who 
will  think  and  fpeak  honourably  of  that  Work, 
which  he  defpiies  ! 

But  I  halten  to  coivfider  our  Authors  next  Pa- 
ragraph, and  this  he  has  tho't  proper  to  borrow, 
from  the  Lucubra:ions  of  the  malignant  Oppofexs 
of  Religion  this  Way.  The  Words  are  thefe,  "  but 
.*'  pray,  will  Mr.  Tement  teil  the  World,  what  Suc- 
M  cefs  had  Mr.  H'bitefeld  or  himfeif,  but  where 
••  they  had  Opportunity,  to  enter  into  other  Men's 
"  Labours,  and  who  planted  and  watered  Con- 
"  gregations  for  them,  ro  crow  of  their  Succefiion  : 
"  For  mMarylandy  Virginia  and  Korth-Carolina,  where 
**  Minilters  are  comparatively  fcarce,  what  Newi 
**  Mr.  of  If  hit ef  eld's   great    DOCCef*  1 

Jvf.  Dpubtiefs  our  Author  approv'd  of  this  Paf- 
fage,  other  wile  he  would  not  have  borrow  W  ir. 
Here  let  the  Reader  obftrve  in  thefe  Words,  a 
Teftimony  to  the  great  Succefs  of  Mr.  Whtitfield, 
and  my  felf,  extorted  from  the  Pens  of  our  Ure- 
mics, and  that  even  at  a  Time,  when  they  were 
endeavouring  to  run  us  both  down,  and  the  bieiled 
Work  of  ConuBion  and  C:?werfcr.  which  we  have 
been  endeavouring  to  promote.  This  puts  me  in  mind 
of  an  old  Proverb,  viz.  mcgr.a  e(l  verites  &> pre-va- 
l:bity  i.  e. great  is  the  froth  and  «?/i  p'revs.:!.  But  in  die 
mean  Time  let  the  Reader  obferve,  that  the  afore - 
faid  conihained  Teftimony,  is  contrary  to  what 
thefe  Men  have  faid  in  other  Parts  of  their  Writ- 
ing, one  Example  of  which,  I  {hall  only  mention 
at  prefent  for  brevity's  fake,  expreiVd  in  their  Ex- 
amination of  my  Remarks  ^vr*.  107.  8.  9.  thus  "  We 
«*  fhall  not  be  fo  rafh  as  to  pretend  to  judge  Mat- 
«  ters  before  the  Time,  i.  e.  whether  there  be  Truth 
c<  in  the  Account  as  to  fome  Instances:  For  thac 
iC  is  no  Part  of  our  Debate;  for  we  know  buc 
"  our  Part  of  what  is  manifeif .  Secrets  we  leave  to 
**  God>  nor  fliall  we  pretend  to  determine,  wbi- 
^G  2  '*'  tiicr 


52         The  Examiner,  Examined. 
thcr  there    be   fuch  a  Eutopia  as  Mr.  Vermont  here: 
defcribes,  fomewhere  in  diltant  Parts ;  for  we  live 
at  Home  :  But  yet  if  Men  will  allow  us  the  Rights 
of  private   Judgment,  we  think  it  is   butjuftwe 
mould  be    ailow'd  to  fufpend  our  Belief   in  the 
Point,  till  we  hear  fome  valid  Proofs,  or  elfe  are 
invited    to  come  and  fee  :  For   a  Partyman's  Sdk 
fo  in  one   Ear,-  when   Experience    contradicts  it 
loudly  in  both,  is  too-feeble  to  beget  Faith.    For 
tho'    we   mould  grant   that  in   Times  of  yore, 
when  Meti  Were  all  that  is  good  and  defireable, 
fubjecl:  to  no  Miftakes,  and  ipoke  no  Falfhoods 
in  their  own  or    their    Friends  Behalf,    it  ever 
there   was    fuch    a     Time;     Men's    own    ver- 
bal Declarations  for  themfelves,   might  pafs  for 
valid  Proofs  of  their  inward  Graces ;  and  it  might 
be  counted  a  daring  Piece  of  Prefuming  Boldnefs, 
to  opuofe  an   Argument   which  depended  upon 
fuch  [table  Maxims,  which  like   the  koinai  evoiai\> 
are  never    to   be  denied,  fuch  as  are,   ask  bis  fel- 
b'lVy  whether  he  be  a  Vhiefy    6cc.  But    iince    Pando- 
ra's, Box  is  opened,  our   Saviour   has   broke  down 
this  Claim,   by  faying,  If  I  bear  witnefs  of  my  ise!f\ 
my   Witnrfs  is  net  true.     And  when  Experience  tells 
us,  that  Ml  this  Iron   Age,  a  fluent  Orator  with 
his  orient  Colours,    v.  ill  irftantly   fill  the  Wrin- 
kles of  the  moft  furrow  5d   Face,  and  again  deform 
the  moft  beautiful  Complexion,  juft  as  Mr    Pain- 
ter pleafes,  or  as  good  Will   or'  ill    Will  prompts 
him.     Seeing  therefore  we  have  no:  a  large  Stock 
enough  of  Time  and   Candles  to   run  thro'  the 
Woods  to   find   out  Mr.  lerwent's   EuLpia :    For 
it  is  the  Cry  of  many,  and  that  in   many  different 
Places,  that  folid  Religion   feems  to  iooie  Ground 
fafter,  &Y  ice  and  Debauchery  feeffl  to  gain  more 
Ground  in  one  Year,  fmce  this  new  Commotion, 
than  they    gain'd  before    in  Ten  ;    and  that  a- 
mong  thole  who  appear  debanch'd  there  are  more 
than   a  few  of  thofe  who  were  lately   famous  tor 
their   being  Crye*s;  and  Failers,    and  Pretend- 
ers 


The  E  x  a  m  i  N"  ii  k  ,  Ex  a  u  i  >?  e  p,         5; 

♦4  crs  to  Convictions,  &c.  Wc  hope  therefore, 
44  that  Mf.  Vennent  will  in  his  next  tell  us,  where  to 
w  find  this  fine  Reformation,  ocherwife  we defpair 
44  of  coming  at  it.  For  when  we  ask  fome  of  Mr. 
44  cIennent\  Party  where  it  is  ?  We  are  told,  ic  is  in 
44  Neiv  Lwland  ;  and  probably  when  enquir'd  ot  in 
44  Nezv  England  it  is  here  ;  and  we  are  much  mlitaken, 
44  if  Mr.  clennent\  Ehfian  Fields  be  not  a  meer  .,'.<?- 
44  feck,  if  not  a  Babel,  in  the  Efleem  of  many  as  judi- 
44  cious  as  ever  he  was,  or  is  like  to  be.  Ana  we 
44  appeal  to  Mr.  Vetmest  and  his  Party,  whether 
44  they  have  not  heen  much  difappointed  in  many 
M  Inlfancesthat  have  made  as  great  Boaiiings  and  as 
44  glaring  Shows  as  any  of  the  rclt  for  a  Time  ?  And 
44  can  Wen  rationally  expect,  while  they  judge  o{ 
44  Men's  gracious  States  by  their  own  DccTara- 
44  tionsand  vain  Bcattings,  but  that  their Difappo-nt- 
44  ments  will  multiply  in  Proportion  with  their  en- 
44  creafe  in  number." 

It  is  not  tny  Bufinefs,  at  prefent,  to  expofe  the  va- 
rious Abfurdities  of  this  Paragraph,  ouly  the  Rea- 
der may  plainly  fee,  that  ic  is  full  to  the  Purpofe 
that  I  brought  ic  for.  Yet  I  confefs  it  is  inconflli- 
eni  w  i:h  it  felf,  for  while  thefe  Men  pretend,  :ha: 
they  will  not  be  fo  rafli  as  to  pretend  to  juuqe^hatters  bt~ 
fore  tie  tir/.e,  i.e.  whether  there  be  Truth  in  the  Ac- 
count as  to  fome  Inltauces,  while  they  pretend  to 
fufpend  their  Be  lie!  in  the-  Point,  in  the  mean  Time, 
they  ca-11  the  late  glorious  revival  of  Goq's  Work  in 
the  Land,  ©f  which  J  had  given  fome  Account,  in  my 
Remarks  upon  their  Proteir,  (to  which  they  refer) 
my  Atitopia,  (or  Fiction)  they  prend  to  be  at  a  Lofs 
where  to  find  it,  they  fay  that  Iniquity  has  gain'd 
more  Ground  in  one  Year,  iince  this  new  Commoti- 
on, than  in  ten  before  and  that  folid  Religion 
loofes  Ground  falter.  They  call  it  my  Elyfian-Pields, 
(or  vain  Fancy  and  Notion)  and  reckon  it  to  be  a 
Adfifecb  if  not  a  Babel .  May  God  have  Mercy  upon 
thole  unhappy  Men,  that 'thus  rife  up  in  Arms 
againft  God  liimlilf,  by  iiandwing  the  Work  ot  hi* 
*loly  Spiiit.  And 


54  The  IlA.MlNIXjEs.  » 

-tbor  that  I  am  now  mere  particular- 
ly coohdering,  does  be:;  id  id  himfelf,  com- 
pare  what    be  adopts  as  aforefaid,  with   what  he 
s  Work  of  its  txttaoramxriesy 
"a-                  i              era   what  is    the   Work  of 
-»c   God,  trc-r.  that                 :;   added  to   k,  by   Art 
"  ar._     ?        "j    Device,  pray  what  is   Extraordinary f 
-ore  thai    'tother  ?   But  what  is 
to  be  explod.  wiiliij  £ 
M                                        ngfb  Crnfures,  dan,*om  ExcLbka*- 
uus  Boz  pt  $  Sights,  li- 
-rurs,  VrmAbmrS    c*.  " 

borrow  M  probably  from 

---It  oar   Author  had'  been 

.    his   proper  Name,   and 

"Lion 

t*  esch  oilier,  la  own 

c  Readers   £  ;    but  no: 

Icnov  ip   th3t 

or   was    ;  rr.e, 

and 

.     .  m  the  Pieces 

that  nex$ 
2  Sovereign  God,  who  blows  by 
trek  lifted*  ;  :lon     thereof, 

was  hii  :".  in    thole    Places  ;    bu:  in  St. 

.  -r  to  .V.zrslandy   w  hich  was,  as  I  am   in- 
i  a    very   Ignorant   Place,  where  he  made  a 
werecrown'd  with  remark- 
But  Goc  farW,  that  Mr.  (,  or  my  felf, 
ifters  ef  the  Caurches,    of  their 
No  doubt,  a  number  of  them,   has 
as  Inftrumenrs  of  converting   Si 

tip    Saints  and  others   in  Faith 
..eft,    as    well    as  of  preparing   Mer 

by    iriftru:  »   to   the  Know- 

-  Truths. 

BuF 


The  E  x  a  m  i  n  s  R  y  E  x  a  >i  i  N  e  d  ,  *  - 
But.  to  proceed,  our  Authors  finifhing  Stroke, 
in  Relation  to  the  Boflon  Minifters  (pa*.  9.  10)  is 
as  follows  «  We  befeech  our  afcended  Saviour* 
"  the  Head  of  the  Church  in  particular,  to  ule 
1«  this  faithful,  judicious,  and  feafonjble  Endeavour 
c<  of  his  Servant,  for  a  Guard  and  Defence  abouc 
**  his  facred  Truths,  and  his  glorious  Work  in 
"  the  Midftofus;  which  too  mauy  are  ready  to 
*'  fpeak  evil  of,  and  oppofe."  Upon  which  the£>- 
Witter  obferves  as  follow sy  viz.  "  I  would  charita- 
*'  bly  hope,  that  that  thefe  Rev.  Divines  don't  pre- 
4<  tend  by  the  laft  Paragraph,  to  patronize  all  the 
**■  Extraordinaries,  that  they  have  pafs'd  current  for  the 
"  Work  of  God,  in  this  Time  of  Strife  of  Tongues, 
•*  and  Confufion  of  Babel ,  or  oppofe  all  with  the 
**  black  Character  of  Oppofers  to  his  Work,  who 
M   are  Enemy s  to  Enthuhafm  and   Deluiion." 

Jnf.  Here's  a  little  Charity,  exercifed  by  the  Ex- 
Amine*  towards  the  Rev.  Minifters  oi  Boflon  ^  and  in- 
deed but  a  little;  for  obferve,  how  he  fpeaks,  I  would 
charitably  hope,  &c  Aye  poor  Man  !  He  feerns  to  be  put 
hard  to  it  about  them,  to  clear  them,  of  what  he  calls 
Enihufiafm  and  Delufwn.  He  exercifes  a  little  Charitjr 
towards  them,  and  indeed  but  a  little,  he  would 
willingly  hope,  but  fcarce  can  ;  his  Chariry  is  bro't 
tjuft  to  the  laft  Gafp  as  it  were.  But  pray  don't 
thefe  Rev.  Gentlemen,  underfrand  what  is  Enthufiafm 
and  Delufion-  as  well  as  he  1  What  magnus  sippoLo  is 
this  Gentleman  in  his  own  Eyes  ?  Here  you  may 
lee,  the  extent  of  his  Charity  and  Humility.  The 
aforefaid  Minifters  have  fhewn,  what  they  take  ;tu> 
be  the  Work  of  God,  and  what  they  mean  to  pa- 
tronize ;  in  their  Preface  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jonathan 
JUickenfins  excellent  DIALOGUES  ;  lately  printed 
at  Boflon  ;  which  are  a  rational  and  nervous  De- 
fence, of  the  late  revival  of  Religion  in  this  Land, 
Thefe  Rev.  Gentlemen  fliew  in  the  aforefaid  Pre- 
face, that  they  are  againft  all  real  Enthufiafm  and 
DiforderS)  but  for  that  fcnptmal  and  rational  Convitiion  of 
§flt  Mil  Gnntrjhn  frtm  it}  u  Gid  h  Heart  mi  Life* 

and 


$5        The  E 5c  a  m  i  ne'r,  Ex  a  m  i  n  e  r>. 
and  Communion  tilth  God  ;    wbick  is  falfely  branded  auiih 
the  odkus  ISame  of  Enthufiafm,  by  the  ignorant  prof  ami 
and  fome  dead   ary    Ftrmc.lifls.     From  this  it  natural- 
ly  follows   who  they  judge  to  be  Oppofers  of  it. 

But  this  Author  proceeds  to  fay,  "  there  are  ma- 
<c  ny  wild  Liforders  and  Corfu/tons  in  fome  of  our 
"  Churches,  at  this.  Day;  which  really  refemble 
"  the  Corrinthian  Liforders,  in  the  Times  of  the  Apof- 
"  ties." 

s'nf.  This  is  likely  to  be  true,  and  the  Cafe  is 
much  to  be  lamented  !  but  arc  not  the  proper  Cau~ 
its  thereof,  the  Enmity,  and  Policy  of  Satan,  and 
evil  Men  ill  oppofir.g  the  Power  of  Religion  ? 
<llis,this,  is  the  real  CaiifeJ  And  the  Ignorance, 
Blunders,  and  real  Imprudencies  of  fome  'Friends 
to  Religion,  have  doubtlefs  contibuted  hereto; 
-which  is  for  a  Lamentation!  Now  in'  order  to  k 
Cure,  the  Caufe  fliould  be  removed. 

The  Examiner  farther  adds,  "  Neceflity  is  there- 
**  fore  laid  upon  the  faithful  Miniiters  of  ChrirT, 
<l  to  bear  publick  and  feafonable  Testimony  agfcinft 
"  them  ;  and  pity  thote  Rev.  Gentlemen,  let  Hip 
W  fo  good  an  Opportunity,  as  this  to  do  it." 

s'nf.  No  -doubt  it  is  a  Duty,  to  bear  publick 
Tcflimony  againft  Viforderj.  and  Gnfitjicxs  ;  and  that 
of  opposing  God's  Work,  among  the  firft  of  them : , 
For  that  is  the  proton  pfeudts,  the  firft  fatal  Sourceof  the 
o.rher  Abominations ;  and  this,  thefe  Rev.  Gentle- 
men have  done,  as -well  as  given  their  explicite  Suf- 
frage, to  the  labouring  Truths  of  God,  in  this  Day 
of  Degeneracy  and  Error.  But  has  our  Author, 
■when  he  had  fo  food  an  Opportunity?  No  not  a 
Word  of  that ;  but  he  is  griev  a,  that  they  have  not 
reproved  me,  in  their  Preface,  for  Difortkrs,  Con- 
fuftons,  &-c.  "  Pitv  it  is  fays  he."  Poor  Man  !  He 
leeros  to  much  diftrefs'd  on  my  Account,  that  I 
Should  efcape  Cenfure :  Aye,  well,  has  not  he  out 
of  the  Abundance  of   his  (pretended)   Faithfullnefsj 

made  up  their   C%J?0^}  Deficiencies,  in    that 
Feint* 

~T r But 


The  Examiner,  Ex  a  m  l  n  e  d.         s ; 

B;  I  proceed  to  any  other  Matter,  I  mult 

'here   beg,  of  tl  e  r\ev.  and  honoured  Miniiiers,  who 

wroLe   tfaat  Preface',  which   this  anonimous  Author, 

has  drawn    his   Structures   upon  ;    as   he   calls  them  ; 

iba:  tbey  wou'd  pleafe  to  pardon  my  Boldnefs,  in  of- 

Bering  any    Thing    in     their    Defence,      who     arc 

bleit    v\i[h  much    fuperior    Capacities,  to   barRe  the 

Cavils  of  Opponents;  bu:  in  as  much  as  the  Examiner's 

Reflections,  are  interrnix'd  with   many  Charges,   a- 

gainit  my  Conduct  in  isew  England',  which  confe- 

tly   I  may   be   iuppos'd  to   have  a  more  perfect 

Knowledge  of,  than  others.     I  thought  it  was  necef- 

iai  y  for  me   to  fpeak  to  them.     What   I   have   faid> 

in  your  juft  Defence,  Rev.  Sirs,     I  hope  you  will  ex- 

cufe,  as  a!  Teftimony   of  my  Refpect  ;  but   I   hope 

i  not  prevent  your  more  elaborate  Confutation  of 

the  Examiner  s  Reflections,  if  you  judge  them  worthy 

of  your  Notice. 

But  I  return  to  confider  our  Authors  next  Para- 
graph ;  which  runs  thus,  vi$.  "  that  the  Reader  may 
44  be  able  no  form  a  righ:  Judgment,  of  the  con- 
44  tending  Panics,  let  him  rei'oive  this  plain  Query  ? 
44  viz..  whether  che  Oppofers.  of  Enthuyafuck  Pranks 
44  fez  up  under  the  Name  of  Reformation,  or  Re- 
44  iigion,  or  the  warm  Admirers  of,  and  Contender-s 
44  for  iuch,  deferVe  the  Name  of  Oppofers  of  God's 
44  Work?" 

Jnf.  It  is  evident  to  any,  that  considers  the  Mean- 
ing of  this  Paragraph;  together  with  its  Relation 
to  the  following  one ;  that  our  Author  attempts 
to  reprefent  me  to  the  World,  as  a  Perfon, 
that  fees  up  Enthujiajiick  Pranks  ;  under  the 
Isame  of  Reformation,  or  Religion  ;  and  my  Friends 
as  warm  Admirers  and  Contenders  for  fuch  ;  than 
which  nothing  can  be  more  falfe  and  unjuft,  what 
are  the  Enthufiajlick  Pranks^  that  I  have  been  fitting 
up  for  Reformation  \  Here  our  Author  is  filent, 
where  he  Ihould  be  molt  particular.  Pray  have  I 
tot  been  oppoiing  real  Em  >  l  ptxibps)   ac- 

H  djrvg 


5 S  The  Examined,  Examined. 
cording  to  my  Capacity}  in  this  late  Performance,' 
againit  the  Mravi  r.s  ;  which  our  Author  has  la- 
bour'd  to  caft  Difh'/nour  upon,  and  render  inef. 
1,  by  rcprefenting  it's  Author  as  inconfiftent 
and  .Hicui'ous  ? 

Bm  as  for  himfelf,  and  rhofe  of  his  Sentiments,- 
they  forforli  are  oppofei:,  of  enthufinflkk  Pranks,  Qpc. 
Here  the  Examine?  muff  excufc  me,  if  I  can't  believe 
the  Tr.mh  of  what  he  fays  ;  for  while  he  is  oppo- 
fing;  as  it  were  pro  arts  et  fo<is-,  the  real  Power  of 
true  Religion,  apparent  in  the  late  revival  of  Pie- 
t;  ;n  this  Land,  under  the  falfe  and  feigned  Cha- 
racter of '  ir.thufiajlick  Pranks ,.  he  excufcs  real  Entity 
frits,  and  cafts  contempt,  (confer, uentially)  upon 
a  Book  calculated  to  give  check  under  the  Divine 
Influence,  to  the  ipread  of  their  Enthufiaftical  and 
enomous  hothns.  See  hoAv  our  Author  excufcs,  that 
dangerous    Party  of  Men  pag.  20. 

"  But,  why  doth  this yGentleman,  deny  to  thofe 
**  Moravian  Gentlemen,  the  fame  Liberty  he  takes 
*«  himfelf,  to  fay  and  unfay  Things  as  liketh  him  ?■ 
<c  More  efpecially  feeing  he  himfelf  has  had  great- 
*<  er  Advantages,  of  coming  to  the  Knowledge 
«*  of  the  Truth,  in  a  prcteftant  Country  than  the 
**  Moravians,  who  have  juft  emerg'd  out  of  theDark- 
«*  nefs  and  Errors  of  Popery."  And  in  the  follow- 
ing Paragraph,  he  makes  fome  Apology,  for  Mr. 
Seiners    Contradiction . 

Jnf.  O  brave  /  And  now  let  the  Reader  judge* 
if  there  bent  fome  Reafon  to  fufpect  our  Author,, 
to  be  a  real  Enthufiajl,  or  pretty  much  inclining 
that  Way,  notwithstanding  of  his  vapouring  Talk 
againft  cnthujiaftick  Pranks.  Now  we  have  need  of 
the  Columns  again,  to  fhevv  our  Author  hisPicturej, 
but  alas  his  Name  we  know  not.  However  I  wou'd 
beg  leave,  to  remember  him  in  the  mean  Time* 
of  an  old  Saying,  for  I  find  he  underftands  La- 
tin, viz.  Vurpe  eft  doctor i  cum  culpa  redarguit  ipfum.  i.  c. 
It  is  mean  for  a  7e*cher}  to  be  guilty  himfelf  of  the  Faults 
he  reproves  in  ethers. 

And 


TheExAMiMiR,  Examined.  59. 
And  now  we  are  prepar'd,  to  confider  what  our 
Author  obferves  in  his  three  next  Paragraphs  (pag. 
o.  11.)  and  thefe  are  very  warm  indeed'  For 
hus  he  fpeaks  "  Upon  the  whole,  I  could  find 
1  no  other  Key  but  that  in  the  Sermon  upon  the  little 
4  Foxes  in  the  End  of  Mr.  Yemeni's  Lace   Treadle, 

*  to  let  him  out  of  the    Labyrinth  into  which   he 

*  had  plunged  himfelf.    Where    i:  is  fatd  Pag.  8,  9. 
4  Foxes    hovt  Loies.     Foxes   have  mofi   cmmonly   mrr<y 
}  Ways  andPajfagei   to  come  out  at,  becaufe  if  one  Jhculd 
4  be  jhp'd  or  clofzd  up-,   they  may  have  another  to  creep  out 
4  at— Foxes  that  ihey  may   not  be  fo  eajily   enjhated,  fcl- 
14  dom  run  right  forward,   but   run  to  fie  one  Side,    and 
14  to  the  other    Side    and  crofs-way   ---They  have  ally 
44  Way  of  creeping  into  others  Hoi.-s,  and  or  turning 
44  other  yinimals   (it  may  be  laid)  our  of  their   righf- 
44  ful   PojGTeffions,    fo  1:  is  with  refpedt  to  —  foi  of 
44  this  Sort  are  theft  which  creep  h.U  Hottfes,   2  Tim. 
44  3.6.  And  it  may  be  generally  f  id  of  cherry  &:t  thy 
44  creep  into  fettled  Minifies  and  Gn-rerMiii.s,  untitt^n 
44  cut  thofe  that  are  Orthodox  amongft  them,    Sec. 

44  It  is  evident  that  Mxfuenner.t  defign'd  by  tranfiat- 
44  ing  this  Sermon,  that  it  ihouid  be  ufed  as  a 
J*  Key  to  open  the  cunning,  crafty  Intreagues  and 
44  Evafions  of  the  Moravians  in  propagating  their 
41  wild   and   frightful  Errors,  feepag.  65,  ico. 

44  Mr.  foment  muft  excufe  me  if  I  turn  r':.1  liime 
44  Key  upon  himfelf,  to  le:  him  out  of  many  Irtcon- 
44  (iftencies  andContradi  rharged  upon    him, 

44  I  expect  that  he  will  make  ufe  of  Fox  like  Shifts 
44  to  evade  the  Difcovery.--Wi.nefs  hisfeand  letter 
44  printed  in  the  Pennsylvania  Gazette  of  September, 
44  2.1742" 

Jnf,  It  feems  if  we  may  credit  our  Author,  that 
he  was  puzled,  with  my  (pretended)  InconjifiencieSj 
and  Contradictions,  &c.  that  he  could  find  no  Key,  but 
that  of  the  Fox,  to  falve  them  by;  which  he  is 
pleas'd  with  much  Complaifance,  to  turn  upon  me, 
well,  in  order  to  oblige  our  Author,  I  ihall  by 
Hnd  by  endeavoujr,  to  prefent  him  with  another 
H  X  Ke 


6c         The    E  x  a  m  i  n  e  r,Exa  mi  n  e  d. 
A>y,  as  I  humbly  conceive  better  fuiced   to  the  Ioch,y 
But    in    the  mean  Time,    muft  beg    leave   to   oftecj 
fome  few  Reflections  upon  the   aforefaid  Paragraph, 
Here  then    let   us  enquire,  whether  the  Characters 
of  a   Tex,  as  reprefented  by  Mr.  Helenbvook,  do  real/ 
belong  to  me,  or  to  the  Examiner}     The 

V  lft.  Of  which  is,  thai  they  have  Holes,  Mr. 
**  Helenbrctik  adds,  JFcxm  i^at  they  may  the  better 
*'  Conceal  themfelves,  fubfift  not  fo  much  above 
€l  Ground,  as  in  Holes  and  Caverns,  under  theEarth. 
«*  — Hei cricks  and  Seducers  always  endeavour  to 
"  hide  their  Doctrines,  and  Opinions,  and  keep 
t£  them  as  fecret  as  they  can,  certain  it  is,  that 
"  they  don't  prefently  and  openly  appear  to  the 
<<  World,  but  know  how  to  hide  themielves,  under 
«   P.y  Shifts."     Thus  far  he. 

Now  I  appeal  to  the  World,  whether  I  have  not 
r.cted  a  very  contrary  Part  ?  J  have  appear'd  open-^ 
Yy  upon  the  Stage  of  the  World,  and  declar'd  the 
Truths  of  Chritt  freely  and  plainly,  and  in 
fecret  have  I  faid  nothing.  I  have  fairly  and  auove 
board,  vcr.tur'd  my  Name  and  Character,  in  the 
Defence  thereof,  and  of  viral  Religion  ;  who  can 
wirh  any  juftife  fay,  that  I  have  endeavour'd,  to 
conceal  my  Opinions  or  Name  ?  But  as  for  our. 
Examiner^  dees  he  not  Sculk  in  a  Hole,  and  Ca- 
vern as  it  were  ;  and  fcrene  his  Name  behind  the 
Curtain;  while  he  is  labouring  to  deftroy  mine?- 
and  is  he  not  very  backward,  as  to  the  Difcovery 
of  his  Doctrines  ?  Ic  may  be  likewife  here  obferv'd, 
that  the  Oppofers  of  Religion,  while  the  bright 
Day  cf  the  Power  of  Divine  Grace  fhin'd  forth. 
in  the  )ate  rivival  of  Piety,  they  like  other  noxious 
Animals  of  the  Night,  cautioufiy  and  craftily  kept 
their  Holes,  for  Fear  of  the  Worft,  fo  that  hardly, 
any  of  "rhem  dars't  appear  to  oppofe  in  o- 
yen  Day  ;  but  fo  fo  on  as  a,  Night  of  Spiritual  De- 
sertion came  on,  in  refpect  of  God's  withdrawing 
the  Influences  of  his  Spirit,  ;  as  well  as  of  the  Fall* 
0 -offers :  into   crronious  Opinions,  im- 

prudent 


The  E  x  a  m  i  n  r  e  ,  Examined,  6  l 
prudent  Coadud,  or  bad  PiaC-Vices.  I  fay,  fo  Toon 
ris  the  Darknefs  came  on,  what  Crouds  of  F»xes 
came  out  of  their  Holes,  and  fill'd  the  Neighbour- 
ing Air  with  their  bold  Barkings,  as  if  it  would 
be  always  Night  \  But  fray,  may  be  a  gracious  God 
may  caufe  the  Sun  to  break  out  with  his  falu:ary 
RaVs,  and  frighten  the  Foxes  to  their  Holes  again  ; 
h  may  Gocj  grant  for  Chrift's  fake  Amen,  let 
all  thrift's  Sheep   and  Lambs,  fay   Amen. 

Another  Character   of  faxes,   mentioned   by  tht 
is,  that  they  have  many  Ways  and  Para- 
ges :o  come   out   at,   &c.     It    depends    upon    cur 
or   to    prove,  wherein   I    have  us'd  Reierves, 
.  jors,  and   Equivocations;    which  I   am  con- 
scious   he  will   never   be  able  to  do,  and   therefore 
is   a  ralfe    Accufer :     The    harmonious    Syitem   of 
Truth?,  which  I    have,  and  do   Hill  believe,  has  laid, 
me   under  no  Tcmptationj  to  uie  fuch  mean  Ar- 
tifices. 

But  as  to  thtExaminery  I  will  not  undertake  to  clear 
him  of  thefe  Things,  feeing  he  favours  a  Party  of 
,  that  are  famous  for  them,  and  docs  what  has 
a  direct  Tendency,  to  obftrurjt  the  Ufefulnefs  of  a 
Book  fram'd  to  hinder  their  corrupt  Influence.  It  is  an 
oldSaying  that  (Simile fimili '•  gaudet)like  rejoyces  in  like.  Do 
riot  Birds  of  a  Feather  dock  together  1 

The  next  Character  of  loxes,  is  Craft  and  De- 
ceit, which  our  Author  gives  no  proof  of  as  to  me, 
and  which  I  am  fure  he  cannot,  and  is  therefore 
a  falie  Accujer.  I  may  with  juftice  apply  to  my 
Manner  of  Proceeding,  what  the  Apftole  Paul  i ays 
mfelf,  Phil.  3.  5,  6.  Fkr  cur  Exhortation  was  net  of 
Deceits  nor  in  Guile,  even  fo  tie /peak  net  as  phajing  Men, 
hut  GOD,  which  tryeth  our. Hearts:  For  neither  at  any 
(fime,  nfed  we  flattering  Words,  as  ye  hiow,  nor  a  Cloak 
yfCovetewfnefs,  God  is  IVitmfs,  net  cf  Men  fought  wi 
,  My  Kttingham  Sermon,  which  the  Examiner 
is  fo  much  di'pleas'd  with,  is  a  Proof  of  this.  If 
I  had  been    a  deceitful  Flatterer,  or  Mcn.glegfer, 

8 


6t         The  E  x  a  m  i  n  r.  n. ,  E  x  a  m  i  n  e  d. 

I  wou'd  not  have  ufed  fuch  Plainefs  and  Acrimo- 
ny, in  that  Sermon,  as  I  knew  according  to  the 
common  Courfe  of  Things,  would  expofe  me  to 
much  ill  will,  and  Reproach  from  the  ungodly. 
But  I  fhall  leave  it  to  the  Reader  to  judge,  whether 
this  Examiner  has  not  us'd,  much  Graft  and  Leccit, 
in  the  falfe  Charges  I  have  already  fpoke  to,  as  well 
as  in  reprefenting  the  State  of  the  Cafe,  withre- 
fpect  to  the  Friends  and  Oppofers  of  the  late  re- 
vival of  Religion,  while  he  endeavour'd  to  tear 
down  the  Life  of  it  with  all  his  Might,  "  and  has 
«c  not  this  a  Tendency  to  cheat  and  decoy  lefs 
"  harmlefs  Crea:ures,  and  make  a  Prey  of  them  ?  As 
"  Mr.  Helenbrook  obierves,  concerning  the  Foxes* 
"  pag.  9." 

The  next  particular  our  Author  mentions,  pag. 
II.  is  this,  *'*  Foxes,  that  they  may  not  be  fo  eafi- 
"  ly   enfnared,  feldcm  run  right  forward,  &c." 

Jnf,   I   blefs    God,   that  I    have   the   Teitimony 
of  my    Confcience,    that  in  Simplicity,   and  Godly 
Sincerity  ;  I  have  had  my  Converfation  in  the  World, 
I   truft  it  will  appear,  by  my  Anfwers  to  this  Gen- 
tlemans    Objections;  that   this    Charge   is  without 
Foundation.  But  I  believe  it  will  be  hard,  if  prac- 
ticable,   to    clear   our   Author     of    this    Property 
of  the   Fox  :     For    fometimes    in  this  Pamphlet,  he 
profcfTes  Charity  and  blames  me  for  the  Want   of 
it  ;  and  vet   betrays  a   feries    of    the  moil:   virulent 
Malignity,    in    publiOiing    notorious  Falflicods  a- 
gainft  me,  feveral  of  which   have  been-ah-cady  con- 
sidered :    In  one  Place  fag.  o.  he  owns  Mr.  White- 
field's,  and  my  great  Succefs,  and  pag.  14.  he  denies 
that  we  had  any  Succefs  at  all,  buc  pag.  30.    he  owns 
that  we  had  lome.     As  to  the  A'cr  avians,  pag.  11.  he 
.  ipeaks   again  ft  them,  in   refpeel:   of  their   wild  and 
frightful  Errors,  pag.  20.  he  makes  an  Apology  for 
them  pag.  26  he  acknowledges  their  unfair  Dealings  ; 
and  yet  the   Tendency  of  his  whole    Performance, 
is  to  hinder  the  Influence  of  that      oolc,  which  I 

vyrota 


The  Examiner,  Eiamikid.  65 
wrote  againft  them  ;  from  giving  check  to  their 
peftilent  Notions.  As  to  the  Work  of  God,  gag. 
8.  he  fliers  his  Regret,  that  the  Boflm  Minifiers 
betray'd  too  great  a  likeing  to  it,  and  yet  pag.  10 
and  50.  he  owns  the  Reality  of  it,  in  fome  degree  ; 
but  in  pa?.  10.  he  again  denies  it  all  together,  un- 
der the  Notion  of  Entbnjisftick  Pranks. 

But  I  haiten  to  conhder,  the  next  Character  ; 
and  that  is  a  fly  Way  of creeping  into  other  holes,  and 
cf  turning  other  Animals;  out  of  thetr  rightful 'Fcjkffinii  ; 
this  the  Accufer  himfelf,  as  confeious  of  his  Guilt, 
flops  as  it  were  half  way  in  the  Application  of,  and 
no  wonder,  for  the  Charge  is  falfe  and  Canderom. 
I  have  not  fly ly  crept  into  the  Congregations  of 
orthodox  Minilters,  and  turn  d  them  out  cf  their  P of- 
feffons  by  poifenous  Errors,  as  heier.bmk  Lxpiefles  i:.  f 
fiave  been  invited  by  them,  to  preach  w  here  I  have 
preach'd,  and  have  never  us'd  fly  Methods,  to  de- 
prive them  of  their  Pofleffions.  My  late  Letters 
that  have  been  printed  in  New-England,  as  weii  as 
thole  Sermons,  againft  th«  Moravians %  will  witnefs 
forme;  that  I  have  oppos'd  irregular  withdrawing 
from  the  Miniftry  of  Perfons,  found  in  Principle* 
regular  in  Life,  and  approves  ofGodsWTork.  What 
is  this  Authors  Practice  as  to  this,  I  know  not  f  For 
I  can't  tell  who  he  is,  and  am  therefore  under  a 
Difad vantage,  in  drawing  his  Character. 

This  Author  asks  my  Excufe  in  a  mannerly  Way, 
while  he  turns  the  Key  of  the  Fox  upon  me.  I  an- 
fwer,  that  his  ufing  this  Method  with  me  gives  no 
uneafinefs,  being  confeious  thro'  pure  Grace  of  my 
Integrity,  I  look  upon  his  unjuft  Reproaches,  as  an 
honour  cioue  to  me,  and  expea  they  w  ill  be  Pearls 
in  my  Crown  at  laft. 

As  to  the  Ground  of  our  Author's  Expectation  „ 
that  I  ihou'd  ufe  Fox  like  Shifts,  to  evade  the  Difcor 
very,  pag.  11.  namely,  my  fecond  printed  Letter  in 
the  Penfylvania  Gazette,  Sep.  2.  1742.  I  muft  tell  him, 
that  it  ferves  only  to  manifeft  the  Strength  of  his 
prejudice.    Thto*  Diriiie  Mercy,  I  am  not  afraid  o£ 

the 


£4        The   Exami  n  i.  r  ,  E  x  a  m,  i  net. 
the  bright  cftLight,  but  that  this  may  appear  the  more 
plainly,  I  mall  take  leave   to  infer:  the  Letter  here 

Mr.  Franklin, 
"  pOEASMUCHfcs  a  Letter  of  mine  to  Mr.  Lick- 
c<  •*■  infonythc  laft  of  February,  together  wiihaPoft- 
44  fcript,  lately  printed  in  the  Button  weekly  News- 
44  Paper,  has  occafioned  various  Reflections ■;  I  have 
44  tho't  it  not  improper  (being  thereunto  excited  by 
44  fome  Friends)  to  fhew  my  Intention  in  fome  Paf- 
41  fayes  contained  therein,  which  are  .more  liable  to 
44  Mifconirru&ion.  Iprofefs  that  when  I  wrote  the 
44  aforefaid  Letter  and  Po(tfciipt,I  had  not  the  lead 
44  Thought  of  their  Publication ;  neither  have  I 
44  at  any  Time  confented  thereto  ;  and  truly,  the 
44  Poftfciipt  was  wrote  in  muchHafte. 

44  As  to  my  Confeflion  cf  Mifmanagment  in  the 
44  Affair  of  Debate  with  the  Synod,  it  refpected  on- 
44  ly  the  Defects  which  I  conceived  atcended  my 
44  Manner  cf  Performing,  what  I  did  then  and  do 
44  ifill  look  upon  to  be  Duty.  I  was  not  then,  nor 
44  have  not  been  fince,  convinced  that  the  Matter 
44  or  Strbftance  of  what  I  contended  for  was  Wrong, 
44  and  the  Words  of  the  Letter  confidered  in  their 
44  Connection,  will  eafily  bear  tl>is  Senfe. 

44  As  to  the  Poftfcript,  ahho"  I  queftibn  not  Mr. 
41  Lavevpcrt's  Piety  and  Integriry,  and  hope  that  he 
44  has  been  an  Inftrument  of  ipecial  Good  to  di- 
44  vers  Perfons;  yet  I  cannot  approve  of  fome  of 
44  his  Methods  of  Proceeding  (according  to  the  Re- 
44  prefentation  which  many  give  of  them)  and,  par- 
44  ticularly,  all  the  Infiances  in  the  Poftfcripr,  are 
44  in  my  Opinion  very  exceptionable  and  of  hurt- 
44  ful  Tendency. 

44  It  feems  to  me  very  unreafonable  that  any  thing 
"  fhould  be  made  a  Term  of  Communion  which' 
**  cannot  certainly  be  known  by  the  Church ;  and 
44  fuch  doubtlefs,  are  Men's  gracious  Experiences, 
44  the  fecret  Recedes  of  the  Heart,  and  Springs  of 
"  A&ior^  ajg  only  open.  ;g  the  all  penetrating  fiy<| 

*'  of 


The  Examiner,  Exam  in  e  n.  6  % 
"  of  God:  Yet  feeing  a  probable  Knowledge  of 
44  Men's  Stares  towards  God,  may  lie  attained  by  an 
44  Examination  of  Men's  Principles,  Expe.-iences 
44  and  Practice,  MiiiJftejs  no  doubt  ought  to  en- 
••  quire  into  the  Srare  of  their  Flock,  and  deal 
44  faithfully  and  difcreetly.  wich  Perfons  in  a  pri- 
M  vate  Way  according  as  Things  appear  to  them. 

w  As  to  the  Practice  ot  jetting  up  feparate 
44  Meetings,  upon  the  fuppofed  IJhreoeneracy  ofrhc 
«*  Paflors  ot  Places,  it  is,,  in  my  Judgment,  ofun- 
4«  happy  Confeq.uence  to  the  Church's  Peace  and 
"  Purity,  when  the  Ministers,  fuppofed  to  be  un- 
"  converted,  are  found  in  Principle,  regular  in 
*'  Practice,  and  Favourers  of  the  Work  of  God.     . 

44  But  when  Ministers  confpire  ro  blacken  and 
V  oppofe  habitually  the  late  memorable  Revival  of 
44  God's  Work  in  this  Land,  and  brand  the  Whole 
44  of  it  with  Terms  of  the  utmoil  Contempt  and  Ig- 
44  nominy  ;  then,,  I  fee  not  how  any  that  fear  God 
"  can  lit  contentedly  under  their  miniftrations  (if 
41  they  periift  as  aforefaid)  without  becoming  accef- 
"  fary  to  their  crimfon  Guilt.  . 
"  4<  Altho*  there  be  no  Probability  of  unconverted 
**  Minifters  being  near  fo  fei  viceable  to  the  Salvati- 
4<  on  of  Mankind,  as  Perfons  of  another  Character  ; 
**  y-et,  .4oubtlefe,  the  fovereign  God  makes  their 
**  Labours  of  fome  Ufa  at  Times,  for  the  Inftru<3tf- 
"  on  and  Reformation  of  Mankind. 

*'  As  to  the  practice,  of  openly  expoGng  Mini- 
«'  Hers,  found  in  Dodtrine,  hlamelefs  in  Life, 
*4  and  Favourers  of  God's  Work  (who  arc  fuppo- 
<c  fed  by  fome  to  be  unconverted)  in  publick  Dif- 
4t  courfes,  in  their  own  Pulpits,  by  calling  ot  them 
*  by  their  "Names  pronouncing  Sentence  again  ft 
*4  their  internal  State,  .and  exhorting  their  People 
««  to  for&ke  their  Miniltry;  this,  1  think  is 
"  a  very  extraordinary  and  unaccountable  Me- 
**  thodof  Proceeding,  without  any  Precedent*  that 
**  I  know  of,  in  -Scripture,  or  Cburch-Hiftory ;  ic 
■*«  diyciSiy  trods  zq  tear  the  Body  oiCjbrill  in  Pie- 


£6*       The  Esami  ner,Exam  r  n  e  b. 
M  ces,  and  to  procure  a  manifold  and*  pregnant   In- 
«  jury  to  all  the  valuable   Interefts  of  fmcere  Re* 
4*  ligion. 

44  As  to  the  Practice  of  fending  out  unlearned- 
<c  Men  into  the  Miniflry,;in  ordinary  Cafes*  upon  the 
"  Supposition  of  their  Piety,,  it  has  been  always^. 
u  and  ftill  is  my  Sentiment  concerning  it, that  ic 
"  juftly  deferves  the  Character  given  it  in  the  Poft- 
*'   icript. 

u  Likewilc,  I  cannot  perceive  either  Decency  or 
"Expediency,  in  finging    in    the   Streets;  but  orr 
«<*  the  contrary,   it  fcems  to  minifter  Occahou  to  the* 
*<  Adverfaiies  of  Religion  to  revile  and  blafpheme. 

**  In  fine,  altho*  I- freely  own  the  abfolute  Ne- 
**  ceflity  of  iuppernatural  Illumination  and  divine 
"  Energy,  in  order  to  the  faving  Inftrudiion  of 
«*  Men's  Minds  and  Renovation  of  their  Hearts ;  yet 
**  I  cannot  but  difclaim  all  Pretence  to  immediate 
«*  Infpiration  or  objective  Revelation,  all  following. 
"  of  immediate  Impulfes  without  Confulting  the. 
•i  Word  of  God,  and  the  Dictates  of  right  Reafon, 
"  as  an  enthuiiaifical  and  perilous  Ignis  fatuttSy 
54  which  may  lead  its  delued  Votaries  into  the 
u  ftrangen  Abfurdities  in  Opinion,  and  moft  enor- 
H  mous  Evils  in  Practice. 

G.  VENNZKft. 

New-Brunfuick,  Auguft  i p.  1742. 

"  P.  S.  N.  3.  .  The  Poftfcript  of  the  Letter  to- 
«*  Mr.  Dickinfcn,  was  occafioned  by  a  Report  of  Mr. 
«*  Davenpart's  extraordinary  Conduct*  and  had  a  direct, 
«*  Reference  thereto.  It  may  bealfo  obferv'd,  that 
«*  there  are  feveral  Words  mifprinted  in  the  aforefaid 
<*  Letter  and  Poftfcript,  fuch  as  Pickifts,  for  Pie- 
«'  tifts;  bale,  for  Balis ;  of  fuch,  for  to  fuch  ;  clear 
«  View,  for  clearer  View  ;  the  laft  Errata  confider- 
«  ably  alters  the  Senfe.'*  ,       G.  &< 

And  now   Sir>   you   muft  excufe  me,  in  turning 
«be  Key  of .  the  Fox  in   his  Hole,  I  mean   upon 

yourielf 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  6', 
yourfelf  Sir,  and  that  from  a  better  Found  t'oti ; 
it  is  you  Sir,  who  is  destroying  the  Vines  and 
tender  Grapes,  who  is  artfully  and  cruelly  afber.iug 
«Gods  Work  and  Servants ;  and  in  the  mean  Time 
excufing  iHenttch^  Enihufafrs  and  <S:Ufmatieks;  may 
•God  forgive  your  Iniquity. 

But  the  Exam'wtr  goes  on  to  fay,  ps.g.  u.  <*  1  fhafl 
««  follow  the  lame  Meihod  Mr.  tfemient  has  taken 
<c  with  the  Morai'iar.s*  and  compare  his  Sermon 
'*  preach'd  at  Isctungham ,  with  his  late  Dtfrcunfes 
•**  and  Jppendi?,  in  dijltKcl  Columns  ;  or,  in  other 
<*  Words,  fee  Gr'bert  againtt  Vernier.^  for  the  Rea- 
•*'  jders  eafe  in  findinc  out  the  Truth. 

utnf.  Either  the  Examiner's  Underftanding,  or  his 
Veracity  fails  him  here ;  I  have  not  taken  the  fame 
Method,  with  the  Mcra^iam  which  he  takes  with  me, 
in  fetting  PafTages  of  any  of  their  Writings,  in  a 
fuppos'd  Oppofition  to  each  other,  in  DiMinct  Col- 
Jumns.  I  have  only  let  the  Co  u  N  t  s  Words  in 
one  Collumn,  and  fome  Obfervations  of  my  own, 
upon  the  other;  But  its  like  this  Author  wanted 
fome  Umbrage,  true,  or  falfe,  for  hi*  contemptuous 
Manner  of  treating  me. 

'And  now  we  are  arriv'd  at  his  Collumns,  in  which 
as  he  fays  «'  We  are  to  meet  with  contradictions, 
*•  as  impofliblc  to  be  reconcil'd,  as  to  unite  the 
*•  Poles  ;  and  with  two  fet  of  Principles,  as  ©ppo- 
44  fire  to  each  other,  as  the  Heathenifh  Principles, 
44  of  a  good  and  evil  God."  Well,  tho'  the  Time 
of  working  Miracles  be  ceasM,  yet  I'll  put  on  a 
little  Courage,  and  try  te  unite  the  Poles. 

The  firft  Inftance,  of  pretended  Contradiction  is 
this,  pag.  II.  ia.  borrow'd  from  the  47.  pag.  of  my 
Mor.  Serm.  The  Words  are  thefe,  u  In  my  Opinion 
44  a  Difbofition  to  feparate  from  a  true  Church, 
4t  becaule  many  of  her  Members  are  unconverted, 
44  and  fome  are  under  Deadnefs,  is  a  fign  of  a 
44  proud  Spirit  ;  were  not  the  Pharifees  of  old 
•*  proud  Separatifts?  See  this  apply 'd  to  the  Mora- 
44  uanfy  in  pag.  63. 

I  2  Cqmparc 


6S  The  ExAjai  ne  r,Exami  ned. 

Compare  his  Sermon  at  Nottingham,  pag.  12.  of  the 
lait  Ediiioii  under  the  fecond  Inference,  "  we  may 
44  Icwrit,  that  luch  who  are  contented  under  a  dead 
«*  JSii'  :Hry,  have' -not  in  them,  the  Temper  of  that 
*«  Saviour,  they  profefs,  it  is  an  awful  Sign,  they 
6<  are  as  blind  as  Moles,  and  as  dead  Stones,  with- 
"  out  any  fpiritual  Tafte  or  Reiim  " 
.  Weil,  where  is  the  Contradiction  ?  1  fnppofeour 
Author  thinks,  it  lyes  in  this  ;  that  m  or.e  of  thofe 
Sermons,  Hay,  that  a  Difpbfitiori  i6  feparate  from 
a  true  Church,  &c.  is  a  Sign  of  a  proud  Spirit,  and 
in  the  ocher,  that  fiieh  -who  are  contented  under 
a  dead  Mir  iffry,  h^ve  nor  the  Temper  of  that  Sa- 
viour they  prnfefs. •*'  Here  is  icaice  any  Appearance 
of  Cpntra0ic"tk>n,  rs'J.ch  left  Reality. 
.  But  that  my  Itfeanin^  in  the  Air/Mian  Sermon, 
may  be  the  berre*  uhderft6<*d,  let  this  Paragraph 
be  added,  which  immediately  follows,  what  was 
cited  by  the  Examiner^,  namely,  [**'  Our  Lord  allows,. 
4<  the  Wheat  and  Tares  to  grow  together,  'till, 
4>  Harveft  ;  but  Tome, raft  Zealots,  are  for  parting 
"  them,  or  plucking  them  up  dhec~b'y,  a ltho'  they 
«.'  the  uej  he  Safety  df  the  Wheat."  There- 

fore that  which  I  opposed  fn  this  Sermon,  v,as 
fuch  an  uncharitable,  and  kregular  Breach  of  Com-, 
munion,  from  the  vifible  Church,  as  the  LabadiJIs 
were  gu iky  of  formerly  in  Hoi land ,  who  pretended 
to  fojm  a  perfect  Church,  as  to  its  Members,  i.e. 
to  admit  none  but  fincere  Perfons  to  Communion. 
And  thi>  they  iho't  they  cou'd  certainly  know, 
and,tl?erefbre  made  their  Knowledge  as  to  the  in- 
rernal  State,  a  Term  of  Communion.  They  fo  fe- 
parated-  she'mfelves  from  the  Church  of  Holland,  as 
to  make  a  new  Sect.  The  aforefaid  Paragraphs  I 
wrote  with  a  Defigii  to  give  ("heck  as  far  as  I  could, 
to  a  cenforious  and  divifive  Temper,  which  I  was 
inform'd  was  like  to  obtain,  and  do  much  Mifehief 
in  Nezv  Eriglwd,  which  gave  me  great  UneaVmcfs, 
rqr  a  long  Time. 


The  Examine*,  Examiner.        69 

As  to  the  Pafla^e  cited  from  my  Nottingham  Ser- 
mon, which  is  in  the  i8ch  par.  of  the  firft  Edition 
(for  I  have  not  Cecil  the  others) the  following  Words 
of  the  Paragraph,  explain  my  Meaning  fully,  which 
ape  thefe,  "  And  alas  is  not  this  th^  Cafe  of  Mul- 
"  ticudes,  if  they  can  get  one,  who  has  the  Name 
«'  of  a  Minifter,  with  a  Band,  and  a  black  Coat  or 
*'  Gown,  to  carry  on  a  5abbaoth  Day  among  them, 
M  tho*  never  fo  coldly  abd  infhccefsfully.  L  he  is 
"  free  froro  grofs  Crimes  in.  Pra&ice,  and  takes 
«*  good  Care  to  keep  at  a  due  Diftance  from  their 
<*  Conference;;,  and  is  never  troubled  about  his  In- 
*'  fucccfsfulnefs.  O  think  the  poor  Fools;  that  is  a 
<*  fine  Man  indeed^  our  Minifter  is  a  prudent  cha- 
i*  livable  Man,  he  is  not  always  harping  upon  Terror, 
11  and  founding  Damnation  in  our  Ears,  like  fome 
<<  ram.  headed  Preachers,  who  by  their  uncharita- 
<l  hie  Methods,  are  ready  to  put  poor  People  out 
"  of  their  Wits,  or  :o  run  them  into  Defpair :  0/ 
<*  Kow  lerrible  a  Thing  is  that  Defpair  !  Ay, 
««  our  Minifter  honeit  Man,  gives  us  good  Caution 
«'  againft  ic." 

Well,  and  is  not  tliis  a  real  Truth,  as  well  as 
what  is  faid  in  the  other  Paragraph  ?  Does  not 
our  Author  fhew,  what  fore  of  a  Spirit  he  is  of, 
by  m  utter  inp;  againft  it  ? 

The  P~n r;es  of  thofe  two  Sermons,  cited  by  our 
Examiner  don't  refpeffc  the  fame  Tiling,  and  there- 
fore there  cannot  be  a  Contradiction  in  them. 
The  one  relates  to  an  irregular  uncharitable  Separation, 
from  a  Church,  becaufe  of  the  fuppofed  or  real  Un- 
regeneracy  of  fome  of  her  Members.  The  other 
relates  to  VoriUntednefs  uner  a  dead  carnal  carelefs  Mi- 
niftry,  who  do  not  preach  clofely  to  the  Confci- 
ence,  or  endeavour  to  awake  Sinners  at  all.  And 
v/ou'd  our  Author  have  People  to  be  contented 
under  fuch  a  Miniftry  ?  O  fhame  !  If  our  Author  fuc- 
ceeds  no'better  in  his  after  Attempts,  it  will  ceafe 
to  be  a  Miracle  to  unite  the  Pcks,         The 

ad,   frifrance. 


;o  The  Examinh,'Examined., 

2d.  Inftance,  is  borrow'd  from  pag.  63.  of  my 
laft  Sermons,  which  for  Diftin&ion's  fake,  I  may 
call  my  Moravian  Sermons,  the  Words  are  thefe, 
«  They  have  a  Sheeps  Coat  on,  they  feem  to  be 
44  mighty  mild,  harmlefs,  and  innocent  in  their 
44  Looks;  but  inwardly  they  hold  dividing  dange- 
««  rous  Principles,  like  Wolves  they  cruelly  fcatter 
44  the  poor  Sheep  of  drift,  by  their  damnable 
M  Doftrines :  Beware  my  dear  Brethren,  of  the 
44  Leaven  of  thefe  Moravians^  who  like  the  Pha- 
44  rifees  of  old,  make  broad  Pbilaihvysy  and  cempafi 
il  Sea  and  Land  to  make  Prqfelytej." 

The  fuppos'd  oppofite  Inftance,  to  what  has  been 
now  mentioned  is  taken  from  the  19  pag.  of  the 
Nottingham  Sermon.  The  Words  are  thefe,  "  If  the 
44  Miniftry  of  natural  Men,  be  as  it  has  been  re- 
«4  prelented,  then  it  is  both  lawful  and  expedient 
44  to  go  from  them  to  hear  godly  Perfons,  yea  it  is 
44  fo  far  from  being  finful  to  do  this,  that  one  who 
44  lives  under  a  pious  Minifter,  of  lefler  Gifts,  af- 
44  ter  having  honeftly  endeavour'd  to  get  Benefit 
«*  by  his  Miniftry  and  gets  little  or  none,  but 
44  doth  find  real  Benefit,  and  more  Benefit  elfewhcre, 
*4  I  fay  he  may  lawfully  go,  and  that  frequently, 
<*  where  he  gets  moft  Good  to  his  precious  Soul.--- 
«<  let  who  will  oppofe  it." 

But  before  I  proceed  to  fhew  the  Hafmony  of  thefe 
faflages,  I  muff  more  generally  obferve ;  that  our 
Author  ufes  very  unfair  Methods,  in  order  to  make 
a  Contradiction  between  them  e.  g.  in  the  In- 
stance he  produces,  out  of  the  Nottingham  Sermon  ; 
he  leaves  out  of  purpofe,  thefe  following  Lines  of 
the  Paragraph,  which  fully  clears  up  my  Meaning, 
and  free  me  from  the  falfe  Charge  of  dividing  Doc- 
trine, in  which  I  fuppofe,  our  Author  immagined, 
to  fhew  a  Contradiction,  between  this  and  the  other 
Sermon.  The  Words  left  out  are  thefe,  "  After 
«4  regular  Application  to  the  Paftor  where  he  lives, 
44  for  his  Confent,  propofing  the  Reafons  thereof,. 
*  when  this  is  done,  in  the   Spiri    of  Love  and 

44  Meekncfs, 


The  EnAjNERrExAM!NED.  7  L 

"  Meeknefs,wkhout  contempt  of  any,  as  alfo  without 
<*  ram  Anger  a^d  vain  Curiofity."  Thefe  Lines,  our 
Author  knew  well  enough  wou'd  fpoil  hfe  Boaft  of  a 
Contradiction,  and  therefore  with  more  Art  than  Ho- 
nelly,  he  left  them  out. 

Another  Piece  of  unfair  Dealing,  under  this 
Ghargp ;  is  this,  inflead  of  the  foregoing  Words, 
which  concluded  the  Paragraph  in  the  Sermon, 
he  skips  like  a  F»x  from  the  10  to  the  30^.  and 
takes  a  Scrap  of  a  Sentence  from  thence,  which  he 
adds  to  the  other,  namely,  thefe  Words,  let  who  will 
eppefe  tt,  In.  order  to  reprefent  me,  as  fpeaking 
directly  contrary,  both  to  my  Intention  and  E-xpreffi- 
on.  The  Words-cited  in  the  30  pag.  I  never  intend- 
ed, in  any  Senfe  inconfiftent,  with  the  Explication 
of  my  Opinion  in  the  19  pag.  at  this  rate  of  proceed- 
ing, our  Author  might  form  Contradictions,  in  ail 
Writings  under  the  Sun,  yea  in  the  very  lacreri  Scrip- 
tures themfelves  !  It  is  like  wife  I  think  unfair  in 
him,  under  this  Charge,  to  put  his  own  Words  in 
in  one  of  the  Collumns,  in  Opposition  to  mine : 
His  Words  are  thefe,  "  and  it  is  the  Language 
"■  of  feveral  Pages,  under  his  4th  Inference,  be  ye. 
**  leparate." 

Well,  where  is  the  Contradiction,  between  the. 
Paflages  aforefaid,  ofthefe  Sermons  ?  Becaufe  I  after  r, 
the  Lawfulnefs,  of  a  Peacefull  charitable and  regular 
withdrawing  from  the  Stated  hearing  of  oneMinifter  to 
anoiher,of  the  fame  denomination,  when  greaterGood 
is  got :  Does  this  juftify  an  irregular  uncharitable  Separa- 
ration,  from  a  true  Church  ?  And  the  making  of  a 
different  Sect  ?  How  trifrling,  and  invidious  is  this 
Inftance  ?  And  thus  I  truft  the  Reader  perceives^ 
that  the  Poles  again  are  united.  We  ihall  not  be  puc 
to  much  Difficulty,  if  our  Author  does  not  bring 
more  weighty  Objections.  A 

5d.  Inftance  of  pretended  Contradiction,  is  bor- 
rowed pag.  48  of  my  Mor avian  Sermon,  where  I  fpeale 

ttow  <♦  It  is  alfr    an  Inftance  of  Pr^e,.  to  defpifc 

J*  and 


7  ft         The  Exaninsr,   Examined. 
«*   and  flight  MiniRers   or  People,  that   are  unocm- 
m    ver[ed  or  fuprofed   to  be   lb  ,  it,  it  not  the  Lan7 
*«    guageoffuch  a  Practice,    as  the  Prophet    ljaiab 
*'    defcribes  it,  Jfowa'  cjf  for  I  am  Iclier  thanthou" 

The  fuppos'a  oppolitc  Inifance,  to  what  has  been 
mentioned,  is  as  follows,  "  alas  how  could  Mi  CI.-- 
"  preach  and  print  this,  after  printing  his  Sermon 
«•  at  -KctiKgham,  without  expreffing  deep  Repentance 
«c  for  the  bard  contemptuous  Speeches  he  has  there 
«'  pour'd   upon  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this'Ge- 

V  neration  ?  .  Doth  not  this  favour,  of  Pride,  and 
««  Uncharkablenefs?  I  Jhall.  beg  Leave  here  to 
«  lay  before  my  Readers.,  fome  ci  the  rcproach- 
11  ful  Language,  he  has  plentifully  beftow'd  upon 
«■'  the  Body  of  the  Clergy,  of  this  Generation  ;  as 
**  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  has  lately  collected  it 
*«  to  my  Hand,  out  of  the  feme.&jririoh'.  UeeExamin^ 
M  fag.  149)  they  are  reprefented  herein,  as  Hirelings, 
*'  Caterpillars,  letter  learned  Pharifees,  Men  that  have  the 
*/  Craft  of  Tones,  £c  cruelty  of:  wolves',  plaifter'd  Hypo- 
«*  crites,  Varlets,  the  Seed  of  the  Serpent,  foolifh 
M  Builders,  whom  the  Devil  drives  info  theMiniftry,. 
««  dryNurfes,  deadDogs  that  cannotBarkjbimdMen, 
««  dead  Men,  Men  poftefs'd  with  the  Devil,  Rebels,. 
m  Enemies  to  God*  Guides  that  are  ftone-blind,  and 
"  ftonc  dead,  Children  of  Satan,  that  like  their. 
«<  Father,  may  do  Good  to  Men's  Souls  by  chance 
"  medly,  Daubers  witli  untemper'd  Mortar,  moral 
«*  Negroes,  Salt  without  favour,  that  ffink  in  the 
««  Moftrils  of  God  and  Men,  Judafses,  whufe chief 
«*  Defire  is  to  finger  the  Penny,  and  carry  the  Bag, 
«'  Hirelings,  murderous  Hypocrites,  that  are  to 
"  take  Care,  lead  we  feel  the  Force  of  a  Halter 
"   in  this  World,  or  an   aggravated   Damnation  in 

V  the  next,  fubtil  felfifh  Hypocrites,  that  would  not 
««  let  an  honeft  Man  come  into  the  Miniftry,  if  they 
"  could  help  it,  Swarms  ofLocufts  crouds  ofPha- 
«  rifees,  that  have  as  covctoufly  as  cruelly  crept 
"  into  the  Miniftry,  in  this  Adulterous  Generation,. 
«  who  as  nearly  remfemblc  the  Character  given  of 

"  «  the 


The  E  x  a  m  1  n  e  R ,  E  x  a  w  I  N  t  P.  7.5 
««  the  Pharifees,as  one  crowsEgg  docs  another,  whofe 
»<  Hearers  are  as  blind  as  Moles,  as  dead  as  (tone*. 
««  Succeflbrs  of  Isicodemus ■,  blind  leaders  of  the  blind 
«  Formalifts,  dead  Drones,  Sons  of  Sccra,  with 
"  a  fine  long  firing  of  Prayers,  falfeApoftels,  deceit- 
"  ful  Workers,  Minifters  of  Satan  &c. 

The  pi etended  Contradiction,  between  the  afore* 
iaid   Pafiagcs,  I  conceive  to  be  *//■«,.  that  in  one 
the  Sermons,  I  fav  that  it  is  an  Inftance  of  Pride,    t» 
Hight  Minifters,   or  People,    that,  are   unconverted., 
'&c.     And  in  the  o>:her  I  am  (aid  to  hate  given  them 
fiich  hard  terms  as  have  been  exprciVd,    and  there- 
fore flight  them.     I  Anfwer,  by  denying  the  Confe- 
rence.   Ic  is  no  evidence  either  of  Pride,  or  Uncha- 
ritablenefs,    to  give    unconverted   Minifters    their 
proper  Titles,  and  Characters  ;  for   if  fo,  our  Lord 
himfelfmuft  be  gidky   of  the  aforefaid  Crimes;  for 
he  gave  them    hard  Terms  or  Names  aifo.     See  Mat, 
2,2.  tfoe  unto  yen  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  Hypdcrites,  becaufe 
ye  build  the,  tfomhs  of  the    Prophets ,  and  gxtyift  the  Se- 
pulchres of  the  RigltecnSyand  fay  if  we  had  been  in  the  Days 
■if  cur  Fathers,  we  would  net  have  been  partakers  with  them 
in  the  Blood  of  the  Prophets,  ye   Serpents,  ye   Generation  •/* 
Vipers,  how  can  ye  efcape  the  Damnation  of  Hell1.  Mat.  25 
27.  28.  Wee   unto  you,  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  Hyp&riUs* 
for  ye  are  like  wh'ted  Sepulchres,  which  indeed  appear  beau- 
tiful '  '  ut  are  u 1 thin  full  of  dead  Bones ,    and   of 
all   Uncleanefs  :  Even  Jo  ye   aifo  appear  righteous  to  J  fen , 
hut  ye    are    within  h    jud     of  Hypocrijie    and     Iniquity* 
Matt.  23:   16.   17.  19.  lYeunto  you  ye  blind  Guides,  )€ 
Fcols  and  Blind  ;  ye  Fools  and  Blind  \  ye  Fools  and  Bird. 
Verier  2 re  blind  Guides,  wh'uh  firain  at  a  Gnatt,  and 
(wallow  a  Camel.  Have  nor.  falfe  Teachers,  the  Charac- 
ters oiJVohes,  Dogs  and  Foxes,  given  them  by  the  Spi- 
rit 01  God,  in  the  Word  ?  Acl  20.  29.  Phil.y.  Cant-.  2: 
1  -    Are  they  not  likewife.  call'd,  Wefis  whfeut  H'a~ 
ter  '(  2.  Peter    2x7.  Clouds  without   Rain,    Jud.     it. 
Leceizers.  2  John  1.  7.  And  are  .nor  many  imcoriyeV- 
W   Minifters  falfe  Teachers  ?  Are  not. the    habitual 
>ppofer;    of  Gods  Work,  ihch  witfc  a  J  w.hq 


74        The  Exami  ner, Examined, 
'I'czch  that  robe  Enthufiam  and  Delufion,  in  which 
ingpr  of  God  evident iy  appears  ?  And   who  in- 
dicate new    Doctrines  refpedting  a  call  ro  the  Mi- 
niftry,  and  the  Conviction  of  Sin,  &c. 

Pray  why  mayn't  the  fame  ignominius  Epithet* 
be  given  to  unconverted  Minifters,  as  to  unconvert- 
ed Men  of  another  Station  ?  docs  their  Station  fancti- 
tfv  their  Hearts,  no  furely !  See  then  how  the  Spi- 
rit of  God  in  the  Scriptures  ftigmatizes  the  wicked, 
they  are  termed  Captives ,  If  61.  I.  Rebels,  Rom.  8.  7, 
Bottdjlakes,  Acts  8.  23.  Slugards,  Pro.  6.  o.  Blind  Men* 
.Mat  23.  16.  thou  Blind Fharifee,  Focls,  Pf  14.  I.  Dead 
/Jen,  Ephe.  £.  1.  Jhadmen*  Ecelef.  9  3. Luke  15. 17. 

They  are  compar'd  to  Bulls,  Pf.  22.  12.  to  Lyons* 
Pi*  57.  4.  toifcej,  Luke  12.  31.  to  Goats,  Matt. 
25.  33.  to  Dogs,  Rev.  21.  15..  to iSta/m,  Matt.  7-  6L 
to  <fam,  Matt.  13  38.  to  Cfcrff,  to  Worm,  Jof. 
52.  13. 

And  are  not  Men  faid,  to  be  of  their  Father  iheDe* 
<v:I?  John  8.  4410  be  fojfejfed  by  the  Devil,  Luk.  xi. 
ai.  Yea  is  not  that  wicked  Minifter  Judas,  call'd  a 
Devil  exprefly  ?  John  6.  7. 

Of  all  human  Creatures  wicked  Minifters  ,  who 
habitually  oppofe  the  very  Work  of  Gods  Spirit, 
and  mask  their  Enmity  with  Religious  Pretences, 
are  the  Worft,  efpecially  if  this  is  done  againft 
Conviction,  and  with  Malice  afcribing  it  to  a  bad 
Caufe  !  This  as  I  humbly  conceive,  is  the  Sin  againft 
the  Holy  Ghoft,  which  iTiail  not  find  forgivenefs  in 
this  Life,  or  that  to  come.  This  was  the  Sin  of  the 
Phaiifees,  ibofe  orderly  Hypocrites f-;*  againft  which  the 
Zeal  of  our  Lord,  the  meek  Lamb  of  God  burned 
and  fpiirkled  with  lb  great  Flame/  as  has  been  al- 
ready cxprefs'd. 

Now  Reader  obferve,  what  tho*  I  have  giver* 
unconverted  Kiniiiers  bad  Names ;  yet  feeing  they 
deferve  themj  it  is  no  more  but  an  Act  of  Juftice  in 
one  refpedi ;  but  under  another  Confideration  it  is 
an  Act  of  Love  to  God  and  Man,  or  rather  a  fign 
tfiessof :  IimanifciU  Love  to  God,  while  in  faith- 

fuineji 


The  Ex  a  miner, Examined.  75 

fulnefs  to  him  we  rif'jue  our  Reputation yin  detect- 
ing and  oppofiug  his  Enemies,    aide 
they  are  dishonouring  his  Name  and   Work,    and 
endeavouring  to  dellroy  his  Kin  dom  :  L*ove 

to  Man  is  hereby  diicover'd,  in  Shewing  10 
Minilters,  their  own  dreadful  Pic 
a  Tendency  to  awaken  and   humbJe  them,  and  earn 
them  to  God.     I  have  no  prejudice  againlt  any  of 
Upon   the   Face  of  the  Earth,  tho*  they  have  labour'd 
;o  defrroy  my  Character  mid  Uiefuinefs. 

I  would  to  God,  I  could  do  them  pood  by  Might 
or  Day  :  My  Heart  within  pities  them  ;  neither 
have  I  us'd  harfh  Epithets,  out  of  Indignation  to , 
their  Perfons,  but  their  ways,  as  I  have  obferved 
in  the  Preface  to  this  JXaHxgham  Sermon,  in  thejfe 
Words.  M  vSofaras  I  know  my  Heart  it  is  Grief 
i4  for  the  In  jury  s  that  have  been  4onerothe  Church 
•'  of  God  by  natural  Ministers,  thac  has  extorted 
"  i\sz\\  Acrimony  from  my  Pen.'*  The  Opposition 
that  fome,  this  way,  have  made  againit  the  Work 
of  God  in  this  Land,  their  murdering  the  Con- 
victions of  divers  Perfons,  their  thruirin ;  out,  as 
I  am  credibly  informed,  unexperienced  loofe  Men 
into  the  MiniMry,  and  there  eppofing  the  coming 
in  of  Pious  Candidates  into  the  Church, 
diftrefled  my  Soul,  and  fiil'd  me  wich  Sorrow  and 
Indignation   both.  r 

And  by  reprefenting  the  jult  Characters  of  the 
ungodly  Ciergy ,  Love  is  hereby  exprefFed  to 
Mankind,  in   warning    them  of  \  and 

exciting  them  to  their  Duty,  inchofingof,  and  ap- 
plying to  the  beft  Means.  Onrv  Author  doubtlefs 
knows  that  the  Meaning  of  the  Word  Charity 
(agape)  is  Love. 

Neither  does  it  Savour  of  Pride,  to  give  ungodly 
Ministers  fuch  Names  as  fuit  their   Caj 
For  this  is  but  to  follow  the  Example  thac  our  Lord 
Jefus,  and  the  Eternal  Spirit    have  fct  before  us, 

K  t 

»5 


f6         The  Examiner,  Examined* 
is  well  as  divers  of  Gods  faichful  Servants   of  Old, 
fucb  as  Jwimiah,  Pauly  &c.  And  thus  the  pretended- 
Contradiction  is  removM 

But  to  make  this  Cafe  appear  the  more  Plain,  I. 
ihall^take  leave  to  obferve,  how  unfairly  our  Au- 
thor and  his  Friends  have  treated  me,  under  this 
$d  Inftance.  For  ift.  he  puts  his  own  Words  in 
one  of  the  Collumns  over  i  againft  mine,  it  fhould 
have  been  my  own  Words  and  not  his ;  for  his 
Bufinefs  was,  according  to  his  Propofal,  not  to 
fh:w  a  difference  betweeri"  him  and  me,  for  that 
probably  is  wide  enough,  but  between  me  and  my- 
ielf.  A  2d  unfair  Method  our  Author  ufeshere, 
is  his  citing  after  his  own  Words,  a  Collection 
of  Words,  pick'd  up  here  and  there  out  of  the 
Kotmgham  Sermon  by  my  Opponents;  he  ought  to 
have  ci:cd  my  own  Words,  in  compieat  Sentences 
in  the  Order  I  put  them,  and  not  broken  fhreads' 
marfhald  by  my  Enemys,  in  fuch  a  Shape  as  m 
appear  moil  formidable,  in  order  to  render  me  odi- 
ous among  gracelefs  Creature's,  who  are  very  fond, 
of  a  blind  Charity,  upon  a  felfifh  Account,  namely, 
ro  lave  their  Bakon.  A  3d.  Inftance  of  unfair  Dealing 
in  our  Author  under  this  Head,  is  his  aliening 
that  I  beftow  reproachful  Language,  upon  the 
Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Generation,  his  manner 
of  Expreffion,  together  with  his  Artful  concealing 
of  the  Word  unconverted^  plainly  intimates  that  J, 
according  to  his  Reprefeniation,  charg'd  the  Body 
of  the  Clergy  of  this  Generation,  with  the  afore- 
faid  Epithers,  abfolutcly  and  directly,  which  is 
Falfe  and  Sophiftical,  I  have  charg'd  unconverted 
Minifters  with  them  directly  and  absolutely  ;  but  as 
to  the  Body  of  the  Clergy,  the  Charge  comes  in  a- 
gainft  them  indirectly  and  hipothetiqaUy,  on  Ac- 
count ofmy  Opinion  about  their  State.  I  cannot 
but  frill  think  that  the  greater  Part  of  the  Clergy 
h  unconverted,  and  that  for  Reafons  mention'd 
in  that  Sermon.  Strait  is  the  Gate  and  narrow  is  tfo 
jjfay  thai  leads  t§  l4fi>  andfiivtkmbe  tbrtjtvdity    v°t 


The  ExiNi  m*r,  Examinid.  77 

many  (fife,  not  many  h'cble,  are  call'd,  the^  Harwfi  truly 
is  Pkvthus,  but  the  Labourers  are  few.  Saint  Cbrifoflom 
has  cvprelVd  his  Tho'ts  of  the  Paucity  of  fatihful' 
Minifters,  in  a  much  ftronger  Light  than  I  have 
done,  for  he  tho't  that  Scarce  any  Minifters  at  all 
•wou'd  be   fav'd. 

Gracelefs  Perfons  have  a  general  Superficial 
groundlefs  Notion  concerning  others  Goodnefs,  be- 
fore they  themfeives  are  awakned  and  made  to  feel 
the  Difficulties  of  Religion  :  But  then  their  way 
of  thinking  of  Chriltianity,  isalter'd  in  this  Point, 
they  neither  weigh  orhers  nor  themfeives  in  fuch* 
light  Scales  astray  were  wont  to  do  before. 

But  let  ic  be  here  obferv'd,  that  I  do  not  pre- 
tend to  a  like  certainty,  as  to  both  thele  Points, 
namely;  charging  [he  aforefaid  Epithets  upon  un- 
converted Minifters,  and  the  Knowledge  of  the 
greatnefsof  their  Number,  the  firft  is  of  undoubted 
from  the  Word  oFGod  and  right  Reafon; 
but  the  other  is  only' highly  probable.  As  tothis 
Point  I  fhould  be  glad  to  be  miftaken  in  my  O- 
pinion,  but  I  am  perfwaded  i:  f  s  too   true.  But, 

4thly.  Another  unfair  Mj  hod  of  our  Anchor 
and  his  Friends  under  this  Head,  isy  their  aifert- 
ing  that  I  charge  all  the  particular  Epichets  they 
ion  upon  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Ge- 
neration ;  which  is  falfe,  and  cannot  be  prov'd  from 
theSermon  :  Indeed  I  believe  they  are  all  applicable  to 
fome  of  them ;  bucthey  are  not  applicable  to  all  of 
them.  In  feveral  Paragraphs  of : he  Sermon  are  li- 
mirtcd  Words,  which  clear  me  from  the  aforefaid 
Charge.  In  pag.  12.  are  thefe  Words,  "  many  Mi- 
44  n liters,  pag:' 19.  many  PhAriice  Teachers,  have 
*'  got  a  long  String  of  Prayer."  And  in  the  fame 
pag.  the  Word  generally  is  likewife  ufed,  namely, 
il  take  them  firft  and  iafr,  and  they  generally  do 
**  more  Hurt  than  Good." 

It  would  be  contrary  to  common  Senfe,  to  ap- 
ply that  Character  of  Letter -learned  to  all,  for  fome 
are  ignorant^.      Or  that  of  pUifw4  Hypocrites  to  all, 


7 S        The  Examiner, Examined. 

for  feme'1  declare  their  Sin  as  Sodom,  and  refufed  to 
be  aihamed.  Or  that  of  falfe  Jpojtks,  deceitful  Workers^ 
and  Mnifiers  of  Satan  to  all,  I  have  apply'd  that 
Scripture,  which  contain  thefe  Epithets  only  to  fuch 
of  them,  as  rife  up  in  Arms  againft  the  Life  of 
Piety,  when  it  comes  near  their  Borders,  and  con- 
fult,  combine,  and  contrive  againft  it  in  their  Con- 
claves, as  a  common  Enemy ;  and  who  with  Art, 
Rhetorick,  and  Appearances  of  Piety,  varnifh  their 
Oppofition  againft  the  Kingdom  ot  C  h  r  i  s  t  ;  and 
who  imitate  the  Apofties  of  Christ,  as  the 
Magicians  did  the   Works  of  Jfojts. 

Neither  are  thefe  following  Characters  univerfal 
in  refpect  of  the  ungodly  Miniftry.    Namely,  the 
Craft  of  Foxes  and  cruelty  of  Wolves ,  for  fome  of  them 
are  doubtlefs  as  weak   as  their   Neighbours,  tho' di- 
vers of  them   it  muft  be  confefled  are  wifer  in  their 
Generation,  than  the  Children  of  Light ;  and  fome  are 
good  temper'd,  and  are  not  roufed  to  Arms  by  the 
near  Approach  of    vital  Religion.     Nor   are  thefe 
Words  following,  to  be  apply'd  univerfally  to  every 
gracclefs  Minifter,  namely,  "  that  they  would  not  let 
**  a  faithful  Man   come   into  the    Miniftry,   if   they 
««  coa'd  help  it !"  No  its  chiefly  5hofe  of  them  that  have 
their  natural   Enmity  rous'd,  and    whetted,  by  the 
fearching  nearnefs   of  Gods  Work  to  th~m,  as  well 
by  the  faithful  Dealings,  and  holy  Living  of  godly 
Minifters,by  which  they  are  detS&ed  and  condemn'd ;, 
that   are  fo  cautous  to  keep  pjdus  Men  out  of  the 
Miniftry,   upon  felfifli   Accounts,  namely,  to   pre- 
vent a  Trouble  to  themfelves,  and  the  Lois  of  their 
Credit  among    the  People. 

But  as  to  "the  reft  of  the  Characters,  which  our 
Examiner's  Friends,  have  with  fo  much  Care  collect- 
ed, they  belong  to  all  unconverted  Ministers,  ei- 
ther abfolutely,  or  comparatively,  properly  or  figura- 
tively, and  for  the  Proof  of  this,  I  appeal  to  the 
Scriptures  and  common  Senfe. 

I 


The  Ex  a  m  i  n  z  R,  Ex  a  ai  i  n  e  d.  79 

I  might  add  to  what  I  have  faid,  were  it  ne- 
ceflary,  that  divers  of  theEpithets  andCcnfurescharg- 
cd  upon  unconverted  Minifters,  in  the  Jsoitingham 
Sermon  are  borrow 'd,  from  the  Writings  of  Ca&ini fo- 
cal Divines,  famous  for  their  Learning  aud  Pie-  y, 
fuch  as  MefTrs.  Hilderpamy  Pooly  Burgefs,  Baxter* 
J2rackky  lenner.  Befides  what  are  expreisly  fcriptu- 
xal,  io  that  the  Cenfure  the  S^uerifl's  labours  to  caft 
upon  me,  rather  falls  directly  -upon  thofe  Worthies 
of  the  Chriftian  Church. 

Indeed  I  have  heard  People,  of  Piety  and  good 
Senfe  obferve,  upon  this  Popular  Paragraph,  that  the 
Gentlemen  who  had  put  it  together,  in  its  prefent 
Form,  had  taken  a  pretty  deal  of  Pains,  to  draw 
their  own  Picture  :  But  whether  the  main  Strokes, 
of  this  unhandfome  Draft,  do  exadiy  fuit  thofe  Mc^ 
I  will  not  at  prefent  determine,  buc  leave  to  their 
farther  Enquiry's.  But  in  the  mean  Time,  1^  would 
ask  them,  whether  a  Confcioufnefs  of  Guilt,  made 
them  apply  to  therafelves  in  particular,  what  I  only 
fpoke  in  general,  without  Application  to  any? 
Their  Words  are  thefe  murderous  Hypocrites,  that  arc 
to  take  Care,  lead  <wz  feel  the  Force  of  a  Halter  &cr 
If  they  find  themfelves  guiky,  they  flioudn't  take 
fuch  Characters  ill,  but  humble  themfelves  before 
God,  for  their  Wickednefs  in  murdering  the  Gnvicii- 
ms   of  poor  Sinners,  and  repent  f  A 

5th.  Inftance  of  unfair  Dealing,  under  the  afore- 
faid  Charge,  is  this,  that  while  they  are  pretending 
to  give  an  Account  ot  my  Reprefentation,  of  the 
Characters  of  unconverted  MinHters,  they  Jlyly  and 
fojjhificxll)  bring  in  their  Hearers.  The  Words  they 
cite  are  thefe,  «  Whofe  Hearers  are  as  blind 
*«  as  Moles,  and  as  dead  as  Stones."  What  then 
are  the  People  that  hear  the  ungodly  Clergy,  Mi- 
nifters too  1  O  ftrange !  By  bringing  in  this  broken 
Scrap  of  a  Sentence  of  my  Sermon  ;  they  would 
feem  to  jnfaraate,  that  it  is  my  Opinion,  that  all 
the  ftated  Hearers  of  unconverted  Minifters,  are 
Wind  u  Moles  and  dead  as  Stones,  which  is  falfe. 

In 


So  The  ExaniN»*>  Bjaminei. 
In  that  Paragraph,  from  whence  this  Scrap  is  rakcn9 
I  there  explain  my  felf,  that  it  is  fuch  who  content 
themfelves,  with  a  cold,  carelefs,  general  unawak- 
cning  Miniftry  ;  who  are  blind,  tec.  One  may  per- 
ceive without  the.  help  of  Spectacles,  that  their  Po- 
litick Dcfign,  in  bringing  the  afbrefaid  Scrap  Head 
iand  Shoulders,  was  to  alarm  the  angry  Resentments 
"of  the  People  againft  me,  and  my  Rev.  Brethren 
thro*   me  who  are  cordial   in  God's  Caufe. 

But  X  miiit  here  obferve  in  the  mean  Time,  that 
I  think  it  fomewhat  odd,  that  thofe  dear  Brethren 
of  the  Examiner,  fhould  have  left  out  one  import- 
ant Branch,  of  the  Characters  of  many  graceiefs 
Minifters,  which  is  mentioned  ipqg.  6.  of  the  Nct- 
ingham  Sermon  in  thefe  Words.*"  It  may  befar- 
*i  ther.  obferved  that  the  Pharifee  Teachers  in 
««  Christ's  Time,  were  great  Biggotsto  fmall 
*'  Matters  in  Religion,  Mat.  %%  23.  ffce  unto  )%u, 
**  SeribtS,  and  Pharifees,  Hypocrites ,  for  ye  pay  Vyth  of 
**  Mint,  jinnis,  and  Cummin,  and  have  §mitt°,d  the  weigh- 
M  tier  Matters  cf  the  Law,  judgment,  Mercy  and  Faith'" 
Was  it,  becaufe  it  plainly  difcovers  the  Vanity 
of  their  thread  hart  cant  and  cry,  about  Order,  Crder, 
Order;  while  they  are  labouring  with  both  Hands, 
to  tear  down  Gods  Work  and  Servant*.  If  fo,  they 
are  more  cautious,  than  candid. 

Another  particular,  that  I  would  juft  mention 
here,  is  the  altering  of  the  Word  faithful- Man  to  &*- 
vejl-Man.1  If  this  Gentleman  or  his  Friends  have 
done  this  of  Purpofe  ;  it  is  very  bafe.  The  Paflage 
I  referr'd  to,  Ispag.  17  of  the  Kittingham  Sermon, 
where  it  is  faid,  in  the  firft  Edition,  «•  That  if  they 
*<  cou'd  help  it,  they  woudn't  let  a  faithful  Man 
«<  come  into  the  Miniftry."  But  in  the  Examiners 
Performance,  I  find  the  Word3  are,  H$nejl  Man, 
which  a  Pcrfon  may  be,  and  yet  intirely grace- 
iefs. 

But  tho*  I  hope  by  this  Time,  the  Reader  is  Satis- 
fied, that  there  11  no  Conttadi&ion  in  my  Writ- 
ing!, 


The  E  x  a  ai  i  n  2  ft,  E  x  a  m  i  N  m  p]        St 

ings  .under  this  third  Infiance,  yet  I  believe,  k 
aviLL  be  difficult,  to  vindicate  our  Author  from 
what  he  charges  upon  me  therein,  which  is  Uncha- 
rirablcneis  e.g.  is.it  not  uncharitable  in  our  Au- 
thor :  When  he  has  no  fufheient  Foundation  from 
my  Words  related  by  him,  to  charge  me  with  the 
Evils  before  mentioned  ?  Dofn't  this  look  like  an 
aiTuming  '  of  the  incommunicable  Prerogative  of 
God,  who  alone  fs  Kevaic^ncftos.  For  him  to  judge 
as  aforefaid,  wkhoutany  Foundacion  from  my  Words, 
yea  contrary -to  them  ;  (as  appears  from  the  Preface 
to  the  Nfftthtgham  Sermon  where  I  folemniy  declare 
the  Reafon,  why  I  us'd  i'uch  Acrimony)  isn't  this 
rafh  judging  with  a  Witnete,  and  doth  it  not  fa- 
vour of  Uncharirableuefs  ?  Alas!  How.couM  our 
Author  print  this,  after  printing  an  Account  of  hi* 
Charity,   in  the  ftrftpag.  of  his  Performance  ? 

Is  it  not  like  wife  uncharitable  in  our  Author,  to 
appear  fo  much  in  Defence  of  ungodly  Miniftersa 
many  of  whom,  do  fo  much  harm  to  the  Church, 
of  God.  Why  is  the  Jpple  of  his  £><?,touch'd  ?  And 
Vhy  does  he  jlgh  fo  heavily  alas,  when  they  arc; 
painted  in  their  own  Colours? 

I  may  add,  doesn't  it  .feem  as  if.  the  Examine* 
himfeif  judg'd  the  Body  of  the  Miniftry  of  this  Ge- 
neration, to  be  unconverted?  If  it  be  obferv'd, 
th3t  after  he  cites  my;  Words  in  the  4S  pag.  of  my. 
$fantvtdn  Sermon  befote  related,  he  fays,  "  I  fhalL 
M  beg  leave ,  to  lay  before  my  Readers,  fome  of  the 
«.«  Reproachful.  Language  he  has  plentifully  be- 
«*  ftow'd,  upon  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Ge- 
"neration."  I  had  fpoken  thofe  Things  or  Cha- 
rades of  unconverted  Minifiers,  and  behold  ho 
•pplys  them  to  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Gc^ 
neration  ;  I  leave  it  to  the  Reader  to  judge,  whe^ 
ther  our  Author,  and  his  dear  Friends,  be  confiftcun. 
with  themfelves  herein. 

.  As  to  what  is  mention'd  in  the  Margin  "  abouc 
H  fome  Rev.  Gentleman's  putting  me  to  filence,  by; 
*{  obferving  that  he  had  heard  me  twice  ©rtfciice. 


82  The  E  X  A  Al  I  N  E  R  ,  E  X  A  M  I  N  E  D    . 

«'  but  found  that  he  had  got  fuch  a  fhort  String 
*'  of  Prayer  by  heart,  that  he  could  almoft  repeat  it 
<c  verbacim." 

Jvf.  It  is  falfe,  I  know  nothing  of  it,  thofe  that 
are  us'd  to  hear  me  frequently,  can  witnefs  that  I  am 
far  from  uflng  the  fame  Words  often,  unlefs  it  be 
the  Lo  R  d  s  Prayer  that  the  Objector  means,  that 
indeed  I  ufe  frequently.  Perhaps  the  Examiper  and 
his  Friends  take  this  in  Dudgeon,  if  they  do,  I  can't 
help  it,  for  my  Part  I  think  it  is  a  very  laudable 
Practice,  I  don't  know  what  better  Order  or  Words 
•we  can  ufe  in  Ads  of  Religious  Worfhip,  than  thofe 
our  Lord  has  taught  us  ? 

But  that  which  I  fpoke  againft,  was  the  long 
Strings  of  lifelefs,  faplefs,  fpintlefs  formal,  Prayer, 
■which  fome  are  generally  guilty  of,  who  tire  their 
Audience  with  their  long  and  deadA&s  of  Devotion, 
6c  who  feem  not  to  drive  after  the  Breathings  of  the 
Spirit;  but  whatever  the  Frame  of  their  Souls  be, 
their  Words  are  much  the  fame,  and  their  Prayers 
of  an  equal  Length.  I  have  had  credible  Informa- 
tion of  a  Minifter  in  Boflon,  now  a  no  better  Friend 
of  God's  Work,  than  our  Author  ;  who  about  1 7 
or  1 3  Years  agone  was  then  a  Candidate  for  the  Mi- 
niftry,  and  fam'd  among  fome,  for  the  Neatnefs  and 
Elegancy  of  his  Prayers;  whole  Prayers  were  ge- 
nerally an  Hour  long,  and  iti  many  Times  upon 
Tryal  by  the  Watch  did  not  vary  fcarce  a  Minute 
tinder  or  over.  Perhaps  our  Author  will  fay,  that 
this  is  orderly-,  I  fliall  not  at  prefent  difpute  the 
Point  with  hrm,'  but  only  obferve,  that  fuch  Ex- 
adnefs  in  this  Particular,  does  not  fuit  me,  I  do 
not  care  to  be  fo  ftrait  laced.    I  proceed  to  the 

4th  Inftance  of  fuppofed  Contradiction,  contain 'd 
an  his  14,  1 5,  and  16.  pages,  which. is  cited  from  pag. 
48  of  my  Moravian  Sermon  thus,  "  And  here  I  muft 
«  take  leave  to  obferve,  that  the  Practice  of  flaying 
«*  ar  home,  rather  than  their  going  to  hear  fuch 
«*  Minifters,-  (found  in  Principle  and  regular  in 
6«*' Practice)  as  are  judged  by  fome  {o  be  unconvert- 
4  «  ed 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  85 
'*  ed,is  unfcriptural  and  oi  dangerous  Tendency, 
**  in  my  Opinion ;  for  it  han^s the  whole  Weigh c 
44  of  the  publick  Worfhip  of  God  upon  the  un- 
44  certain  Judgment  of  Men*  tlio"  unconverted  Mi- 
M  nifters  are  not  likely  to  do  fo  much  Good,  as  o- 
41  thers,  yet  feeing  that  many  of  them  doubt  lefs  do 
44  preach  the  lame  Word  of  God,  which  others  do, 
41  why  may  not  the  Soverign  God  who  permits 
44  them  by  his  Providence  to  come  into  the  Mi- 
44  niftry,  blefs  the  Word  deliver 'd  by  them  for  the 
44  Good  of  Mankind  ? 

44  Befides,  the  aforefaid  Practice  of  flaying  at 
44  Home,  &c.  opens  a  Door  to  Delufion  by  falfe 
44  Teachers,  as  well  as  to  Confufion  and  Schifm  in 
4<  the  Church  of  God." 

Pag.  49.  t4  I  muft  declare  to  the  World,  that  I 
44  dread "  the  tho'ts  of  Schifm,  and  Separation  in  the 
44  Church  of  God,  &c. 

Kow  the  fuppos'd  oppofite  Inftance,  to  what  has 
been  mentioned,  hi  the  preceeding  Paragraph,  is 
taken  from  pag.  8.  of  the  Nottingham  Sermon  which 
is  introduced  thus, <4  he  fcaVce  owns  a  poflibility  of 
44  profiting  under  an  unconverted  Miniftry,  when  he 
44  fays,  is  a  dead  Man  fit  to  bring  others  to 
44  Life  ?  Sad  experience  verifies  the  unprofitable- 
44  nels  of  the  Miniftry  of  unconverted  Men.  Look 
44  into  the  Congregations  of  unconverted  Minifters, 
44  and  fee  what  a  fad  Security  reigns  there,  not  a 
44  Soul  convinced  that  can  be  heard  of  for  many 
44  Years  together  !  What  if  fome  Inftances  could 
44  be  fhewn,  of  unconverted  Minifters,  being  in- 
44  ftrumental  in  convincing  Perfons  of  their  loft 
44  State,  the  Thing  is  very  rare  and  extraordinary, 
44  and  for  what  I  know,  as  many  Inftances  might 
44  be  given  of  Satans  convincing  Perfons  by  his 
44  Temptations,  it  is  a  kind  of  Chance  Medly  be- 
44  tween  the  Father  and  his  Children,  when  any 
44  fuch  Event  happens.  And  is  not  this  the  Rea- 
44  fon  why  a  Work  of  Conviction  and  Converfion . 
*'  has  been  fo  laiely  heard  of  for  a  long  Time,  in . 


•?4  The  E  X  A  M  1  K  £  R  ,  E  X  A  M  I  K  E  D . 

«4  the  Churches,  ©/£.  that  the  Bulk  of  her  fp'iritual 
♦«  Guides,  are  ffone  blind  and  (tone  dead  " 

«*  Again  pag.  20.  I  befeech  yoa  my  dear  Brethren 
tl  to  conflder,  that  there  is  no  probability  of  your 
%l  getting  Good  by  the  Miniftry  of  Pharifees,  fot 
•«  they  are  no  Shepherds,  (no  faithful  ones)  in 
**  Christ's  Account,  they  are  as  good  as  none, 
*•  nay  worfe  than  none  upon  fome  Accounts,  for 
*'  take  them  firft  andJaft,  and  they  generally  do  more, 
*«  Hurt    than"  Good;  SeeiUNote  at  the  Jflerifm  *  '  * 

*<  *  This  Declaration,  is  much  like  that  in  the 
**  2".  pag.  of  the  aforefaid  Examination,  &c.  Wfierc' 
**  Mr  <Tennent declares,  as  to  what 'is  alledgcd  of  our 
**  encouraging,  the  Flocks  of  bur  protecting  Bre- 
*l  thren  to  forfakc  their  Miniftry.  I  know  nothing  of 
**  this y  neither  do  I  know,  any  of  our  Number  that  las. 
**  They  anfwer,  it  feems  very  ftrange  to  us,  that 
*l  Mr.  <J.\  of  allMen  alive  fhou'dhave  the  Face  to  tx- 
**  prefs  himfelf  thus,  after  writing,  preaching  and 
**  printing  his  Sermon  at  Nottingham  ;  for  did  not  his 
•*  own  Party  underffand  that  Sermon,  as  an  En- 
**  couragemeht  to  forfake  our  Miniftry,  and  have  not 
**  their  "Adherents  at  Nottingham,  and  many  other 
**  Places,  fet  up  feparate  Meetings  in  compliance 
*'  with  faid  Sermon,  aiid  others  of  the  fame  Kind  ? 
*'  Moreover  they  affirm,  that  the  whole  Country  knows, 
*4  that  it  is  a  notorious  Falfehood,  and  that  he  has 
*c  encourag'd  them,  both  from  the  Pulpit  and  Prefs  • 
**  to  forfake  their  Miniftry.'1' 

Here  let  the  Reader  obferve,  that  the  Examiner 
according  to  his  Cuftom,  ufes  unfair  Methods,  in 
jeprefenting  my  Words,  in  order  to  make  a  Con-» 
tradi&ion.    For, 

1.  He  of  Purpofe  leaves  out  fuch  Sentences,  as 
ferveto  explain  my  Meaning,  and  fhew  a  Harmony 
in  my  Writings  e.g.  w hat  our  Author  cites,  from 
the  49  pag.  of  my  Moravian  Sermon,  is  bdt  a  little 
Piece  of  a  Sentence,  broken  off  from  a  large  Para- 
graph, more  than  two  Thirds  whereof  are  left  our. 
Tits  whole  Paragraph   fur.s  thus  "  I  maft  declare 


The  ExaminxrExamtkzd.  Sy 

il  to  the  World,  that  I  dread  the  Tno'cs  otSchilms 
«<  and  Separations  in  the  Church  of  God.  {tl  is 
li  was  all  cur  Juthor  cited,  now  thtff'erdi  immediately 
"  following  are,)  becaufe  of  the  difrnal  Handle,  that  is 
«•  thereby  given  to  Seducers,  to  promote  their 
11  erronious Tenets;  asaifo  becaufe  of  theDifhonour 
«'  that  is  hereby  call  upon  God's  Name,  Ways,  and 
«*  People.  Hereby  wicked  Men  are  ftrengthned 
M  in  their  Piujucices  againft  Religion;  hereby 
"  ProfefTors  are  diverted  from  promoting  Gods 
«'  Work  to  perfonal  Comroverues  of  no  Moment. 
**  therefore  when  the  Cafe  lb  happens,  that  People 
r<  are  difatisficd  \vi:h  their  Miniiter,  and  can't  get 
tl  Edification  by  his  M migrations,  after  long  and 
"  impartial  Labours.  *  To  this  End  it  feems  moftari- 
«<  vifab'e  for  them,  humbly  and  peaceably  (in  a  re- 
tl  gular  Manner)  10  feek  to  get  an  Ailiftanr  with 
"  him,  ■  if  the  Place  be'abie  tofupport  two  ;  but  if 
•«  not,  to  ask  Leave  of  their  Paftor,  and  other  Church 
*4  Officers,  to  go  where  they  are  more  edify ed;  in 
w  the  mean  Time  laying  afide  ail  rafh  Cenfures. 
•4  And.  fhould  not  Minifters  alfofor  Peace  fake  de- 
"  ry  themfclves,  and  confent  to  the  reafonable  Pro- 
"  pofals  of.  their  People?  waving  all  exafperating 
41  Reflections  upon  their  difa.ckfy'd  People,  and 
"  more  efpecially  in  their  publick  Performances. 
*'  O  /  may  the  God  of  Peace  incline  us  to  ihidy, 
"  and  purfue  the  Things  that  are  for  Peace."  Now 
I  leave  it  to  the  Reader  to  judge  if  the  remaining 
Part  ^  of  the  aforcfaid  Paragraph,  does  not  fully 
explain  my  Meaning,  and  fhew  a  harmony  in  my 
Writings,  and  whether  it  was  not  unjuft  in  our 
Author   to  leave  it   out  ?  And, 

2dly  .  As  to  the  In  fiance  taken  out  of  the  Kcting- 
lam  Sermon  ;  our  Author  deals  unfairly  alfo,  the 
firft  Words  he  mentions,  namely  thefe, "  Is  a  dead 
*'  Man  ft  to  bring  others  to  Life  ?"  is  a  Sentence  taken 
out  of  the  Middle  of  a  large  Paragraph,  which 
you  may  find  chiefly  in  the  1 1  pag.  the  reft  of 
ybdv  is  wholly    oirj;ud.    Ta  th;  afore£ud  Scn- 

tencca 


$6  The  Examiner,  Examined. 
tcnce,  our  Author  joyns  fix  Lines  taken  out  of 
the  beginning  of  another  Paragraph  in  the  12  pag? 
without  giving  the  Ieaft  Notice  ot  this  to  the  Rea- 
der, and  leaves  out  all  t  the  Reft,  of  a  large  Para- 
graph, and  then  adds  another  Paragraph  in  the  51ft 
fag.  (of  the  firft  Edition)  and  there  takes  a  little  and 
ieaves  the  reft.  What  Writings  can  Hand  before 
fuch   partial    Proceeding  ?  But 

;dly.  Another  unjuft  Method  of  our  Author  is 
this,  in  order  to  oppofe  the  Declaration  I  have  made 
in  the  43dp*ig.  of  my  Js'oravian  Sermon,  namely 
of  my  u  dreading  the  tho'ts  of  Shifms>  and  Separation  in 
*'  the  Church  of  God."  Hedofn't  bring  my  Words 
only,  -which  he  ought  to  have  done,  but  refers  to, 
and  cites  the  Words  of  my  Enemies;  who  oppofe 
the  Work  of  God  in  this  Part  of  the  Country :  What, 
does  their  differing  from  me  ftiew  a  Difference  be- 
tween me  and  myfelf?  which  our  Author  was  to 
prove.  Are  then  they  myfelf  ?  if  fo,  our  Author 
has  proved  his  Point,  other  wife  not.  Alas  /  what 
lorry  fhuffling  is  here  ?  The  Examiner  feems  to 
be  aware  of  this,  and  therefore  he  does  not  put  their 
Words  in  the  oppofite  Collumn  to  mine,  which 
•would  be  too  bare  Fac'd  and  too  eafily  difcovered  ; 
1  but  fets  an  Jftevifm  there,  referring  to  them,  and 
gives  his  reader  a  Hint  to  fee  the  note  at  the  Jfte- 
vifm ;  and  thus  he  leaves  a  Blank  in  the  Column, 
and  cites  their  Words  in  the  Margin.  Whan 
Iheaking  petty  Sophiftry  is  this  ?  It  would  not  only 
have  look'd  better  to  have  fet  them  in  the  Collumn, 
but  have  fhewn  a  little  more  Honefty  in  our  Au- 
thor.     But  enough  of  this. 

In  Anfwer  to  what  this  Gentleman  cites,  from 
the  Writings  of  my  Opponents,  in  contradiction  to 
another  Declaration  of  mine,  before  related,  (which 
is  mention'd  in  my  Remarks,  on  their  Proteft  ; 
which  Declaration,  harmonizes  with  that  in  the 
Moravian  Sermon.)  I  fhall  only  fay  at  Prefenr,  that 
I  affirmed  nothing  therein  but  the  very  Truth ; 
liowever  ft  range  they  may  pretend  it  is  to    them .- 

And 


/  The  Examiner,  Examined.  87 
And  that  I  hope  the  Almighty  will  always  give 
me  Boldnefs  to  exprefs,  whoever  oppofe  it,  either 
to  gratify  their  Spleen,  or  guard  their  Credit  and 
ivorldly   Intereit. 

•  Neither  does  the  Notingbtm  Sermon  oppofe  the 
Declaration  aforefaid,  for  it  only  aflerts  a  regular 
nithbaiiitig,  from  the  fhted  hearing  of  one  Minifter 
to  another  (in  ordinary  Cafes)  for  greater  Edifica- 
tion,  in  the  General,  without  particular  Applica- 
tion to  any.  The  Kctingham  Sermon  as  to  the 
Subftar.ee  of  it,  upon  that  Head  they  refer  to 
(and  others  alfo)  I  had  wrote  as  my  Opinion  and 
preach'd,  a  matter  often  Years  before  I  ever  was 
at  Kotingham.  . 

I  am  not  accountable  for  any  Senfe  that  Perfons 
may  put  upon  my  Words,  for  which  they  have 
no  Foundation  in  them.  The  Sermon  gave  no 
more  Encouragement  to  leave  their  Miniltry  than  my 
own,  on  Condition  it  was  as  it  fhould  be,  and  if 
it  was  not  how  could  I  help  that  ?  It  is  true  in- 
deed, divers  Perfons  after  they  wereawakned,  de- 
clared that  they  could  not  find  any  Relift  under; 
the  Miniflry  of  fome  of  their  Number,  nor  get 
any  Benefit  by  it,  and  were  therefore  difpos'd  to 
go  elfe  where,  where  they  did  get  Good  to  all 
Appearance.  And  that  which  ftrengthued  the  A- 
verfion  of  many  godly  Perfons  to  their  Miniftra- 
tions,  was  their  flighting  of  Gods  Work,  together 
with  the  Inltruments  Jehovah  was  pleas'd  to  ufe  in 
promoting  of  it.  And  here  give  me  Leave  to  propofe 
this  Querie  to  Mr.  Vkomfon  and  his  Afociatesj, 
whether  it  was  becaufe  that  fuch  as  were  convinced 
of  Sin,  had  generally  a  lefs  Efteem  of  his  Miniftra- 
tions,  and  of  fome  ofthereftof  his  Party,  that  hr 
and  fome  (at  leaft)  of  them,  have  ib  fiercely  oppos'd 
the  blelled  Opperations  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in  a- 
larming  and  convincing  a  fecure  World  of  Sin> 
Righteoufnefs  and  Judgment  ?  If  fo  is  not  it  felfifh 
and  fordid  with  a  Witnefs,  and  a  blow  at  the  Root 
of  Piety  I  For.  rny  own  Part  I  mull  fay,  That  % 

hnmblj 


88        The  Ex  A'M  I  NE  x',,£x  A  It  X  N  B  D. 

humbly  conceive  that  to  be  the  Secret  or  the  Story 
of  their  Oppofnion,  the  Bottom  of  the  "Miitcrvj 
the  true  Spring  of  their  Malignant  contending  a- 
gainft  vi;«TGodlinefs,  theFaife  and  ungenerous  Me- 
thods,^ well  as  long  Continuance  or  their  Oppo- 
sition to  the  Work  ot<jod,  under  fo  much  Ad- 
vantage of  Light  and  Evidence  in  favour  of  it, 
together  with  their  dangerous  Errors  before  men*, 
turned,  frees  me  from  the  juft  Imputation  of  Rafli 
■judging  in  thinking,  as  I  have  expreiT'd. 
!  As  to  what  they  fay  of,  "  our  Adherents  fetting 
,*•  up  feparate  Meetings  at  Notingham  and  many  o- 
f  ther  Places,  in  complyance  with  faid  Sermon, 
"  and  others  of^he  feme  Kind."  Tjis  is  Faife  j 
there  is  not  a  Word  in  tftat  Sermon  that  encoura- 
ges feparate  Meetings  from  any  Miniltry,  merely 
becaufe  they  are  unconverted.  No,  the  very  con- 
trary is  exprefs'd />*£.  1  5..inthefe  Words.  "Dear 
*c  Sirs,  we  fhould  moft  earneftly  pray  for  them,  that 
€<  the  CompafTionatc  Saviour  may  preferve  them 
**  by  his  Mighty  Power  thro*  Faith  unto  Salvation, 
"  fupport  their  finking  Spirits  under  the  melan- 
««  choly  Uneaiinc&  of  a  dead  Miniftry,  ian&ify  and 
*  fweeten  to  them,  the  dry  Morfels  they  get  under 
««  fuch  blind  Men,  when  they  have  nonebetter  to 
i<  repair  to.**  No,  it  was  their  bitter  Oppofi; ion 
to  the  Power  of  Religion,  that  gave  Rife  to  feparate 
Meetings,  together  with  their  irregular  and  unjuft 
attempt,  to  caft  us  out  of  fywdkal  Communion  ; 
neither  have  I  or  any  of  my  Brethren  that  I  know 
of,  ever  preach 'd  any  Sermon  of  that  kind  they 
Mention. 

Their  affirming  that  the  whole  Country  knows, 
that  it  is  (meaning  my  Declaration  aforefaid)  a  no- 
torious Falfehcod  :  And  that  I  have  encouragM 
People  from  the  Pulpit  and  Prefs,  to  forfake  their 
Miniftry,  is  a  dreadtull  Inftance  of  effronted  Impiety. 
O  fhame  !  What  fort  of  Men  are  thefe  ?  Wrip 
riot  only  aflert  an  egregious  Falfehood,  but  ap^ 
pc*i  \Q  Jhc  whole  Country  to  prove  it.  To  confront 

thev 

K 


The  Examine*.    Examined.  89 

their  Charge,  I  do  appeal  to  the  numerous  Mul.i- 
-tudes,  where  ever  I  have  preach \i  the  Gofpei  of 
•Christ,  -if  what  they  have  alledged  be  not  a 
groundlefs  and  crimfon  Calumny,  whicn  thole  £- 
nemies  of  the  Power  of  Religion,  do  impute  to  me  ? 
It  is  the  Neceffity  of  their  wretched  Caufe,  that  ur- 
ges thole  unhappy  Men,  to  take  fuch  finful  and 
fcandaluus  Methods,  in  order  to  cloak  their  Hor- 
rible Wickednefs,  in  cppoftng  G»ds  IP$tk,  which  has 
been  the  real  Caufe  ot  .lie  Divisions  fubfifting  a- 
mong  us;  whkh  they  without  Foundation  a&rita 
to  me  ' 

Neither  does  what  I  have  faid,  pag.  29.  of  my 
RemarJcs,  on  thcr  Prcteji,  contradict  uthac  I  have 
now  alledged.  The  Words  are  thefe  «  No  doubt 
"  there  is  a  Relation,  between  a  Paftor  and  hii 
M  People,  but  the  Defon  ot  this  being  to  promote 
-*'  their  Good,  we  thinK  it  urireafoni.b.e,  that  it 
'*  fhould  fubfiit  to  thePrejudice  of  that  which  t's  dc- 
*'  hgn'd  to  procure,  however  in  ordinary  Cafes, 
'*  we  think  ic  to  b<*  the  Peoples  Duty,  to  make 
'*  regular  Application  to  their  Pallors  to  go 
••'  where  they  get  the  greatcft  Benefit. 

44  But  when  Minifters  confpire  to  oppofe,  the 
x*  Work  and  faithful  Servants  ot  God,  in  the  molt 
u  open  and  flagrant  Manner,  we  fee  no  Harna 
fi  in  this  Cafe,  in  ufmg  an  extraordinary  Mc:hod. 

x  Here  obferve  ;  that  the  aforefaid  Remarks,  were 
CQmpos'd  and  pnbliih'd  after  Things  were  broujht 
to  the  utmoir  crifis  and  Confufion  among  us  ;  by 
*their  lfrange  and  unaccountable  Conduct  :  And  af- 
ter a  Rupture  was  fore'd  between  them  and  us, 
by  their  Protelt  ;  and  therefore  nothing  I  have  laid 
.therein  cou'd  poffibly  be  even  the  Occafion  of  either. 
As  to  that  of  extraordinarv  Cafes,  I  have  fpoken 
to  it  before,  and  therefore  (hall  not  now  add,  ex- 
cepting this,  that  if  Minifters  confpiriug   ro  oppofe 

the  Work  and  Servants  of  God,  as  aforefaid, be 

not  an  extrwdinary  Caje,  I  know  not  what  is, 

M  ^  B«: 


♦JO  The  EXAMINEK,EXAMINED. 

But  to  return  from  this  digreifion,  to  chc  4/h  In- 
fiance  of  fuppofed  Contrancfion,  in  my  Sermons, 
which  I  was  difcourfing  upon  :  I  fhall.  juft  take  leave 
to  add,  to  what  has  been  already  obierved,  thefe 
few  particulars  following,  namely. 

I.  That  the  Occafions  upon  which  they  were 
written,  were  different  .  The  Paflages  referr'd  to 
in  the  Moravian  Sermon  were  occafioned  by  reports  of 
a  feparating  Diipofiuo:>  obtaining  in  Kew- England  ; 
I  was  inform'd  that  fome  were  feparating  from  the 
JMiniftry  of  fuch  as  were  found  in  Piinciple,  regular 
in  Life,  and  approvers  of  God's  Work;  and  that 
feme  flay 'd  at  Home,  rather  than  they  would  hear 
fuch,  mecrly  becaufe  they  judg*d  them  unconverted' 
This  diftrcfTed  me  in  Mind  much  !  and  to  this  Cafe 
the  fore-cited  Paragraphs,  in  the  48  and  49  pages  of 
my  Moravian  Sermon,  directly  refer. 

Ru:  the  hutin pham  Sermon  was  occafioned  by  the 
Yictv  I  had  of  the  Darger  of  unconverted  Minifters 
in  general,  and  the  Mii'chief  that  I  was  credibly  in- 
foim'd,  f.  me  of  them  had  done  to  the  Souls  of  Men 
in  particular,  efpec  tally  of   late! 

Again,  let  it  further  be  obierved,  that  in  both  thofe 
Sermons,  I  acknowledge  thefe  Things  following. 

1  ft.  That  unconverted  Minifters  migit  be  inftru- 
mental  in  doing  Good.       And 

2dly.  That  they  fhould  be  heard,  when  we  have 
no  better.     See  bo ttingham  Sermon,  page  15. 

3dly.  I  affert  in  both,  That  we  fhould  not  leave 
their  Miniftry  in  ordinary  Cafes,  without  regular 
Application. 

Therefore  the  only  appearance  of  Contradiction  is 
this,  that  in  the  Moravian  Sermon  I  feem'd  to  fpeak 
more  favourably  of  unconverted  Minifters  doing 
Good  ;  then  in  the  In  fiances  our  Author  alledge*  or 
tlzcs  from»the  ^jSttwcham  Sermon. 

Burt^remJ^this  apparent  Difficulty,  let  it  be 
confidcred,  that  it  is  only  of  fuch  of  them  as  preach 
fund  LcBriney  are  rerular  in   Life,   and  favour  God'f 
7/  *<%  that  I  have  fpoken  fo  mildly  of  in  the  Mora- 
vian 


The  Examiner,  Examined^  91 
rain  Sermon,  and  nor  of  all.  And  tha:  in  the  Not- 
tingham Sern.on,  in  the  Pages  referred  to  by  our 
Author,  there  are  exceptions  admitted,  as  may  ap- 
pear by  thefe  Words. <c  p.  11.  the  Miniftry  of  natural 
Men  is  for  the  mod  Pare  unprofitable,  and  pag.  31. 
«*  for  take  rhem  firft  and  laft,  and  they  generally 
"  do  more   hurt  than    Good." 

It  is  certain  that  unconverted  Minifters  are  of 
different  Sorts.       For, 

iff.  Some  of  them  are  unfound  in  Fundamen- 
tals, thefe  every  one  muft  acknowledge, are  hot  like- 
ly  do  do  good,  but  much  hurt. 

adly.  Some  are  Prophaiie  in  Practice,  thefe  arc 
not    likely  to  do  Good,  but  Hurt. 

3dly.  Some  are  malignant  Oppofers  of  God's 
Work,  thefe  are  not  likely  to  do  good  but  much  Hdrt> 

4thly.  Seme  are  quite  Secure,  unacquainted  with 
Conviction,  and  the  Sirriiliar  Workings  of  the  Spirit 
of  God,  now  there  is  no  Probability  tnatfuch  will  do 
Good,  in  refpect  of  the  Conviction  and  Converfion 
of  Sinners,  tho'  they  maybe  means  of  InftructingPer- 
fens  in  the  Knowledge  of  fome  doctrinal  Points  of 
Religion,^  which  is doubtlefs  Good  in  its  Place  and 
iieceffary. 

Jfthly.  Some  are  under-  Conviction,  and  the 
Similiar  Workings  of  the  Spirit,  found  in  Doctrine* 
and  favourers  of  God's  Work.  There  is  indeed 
fonie  Probability  <,  that  fuch  will  be  means  of  awaking 
and  converting  Sinners. 

Befides  it  may  be  farther  obferv'd,  that  when 
in  the  Nottingham  Sermon  I  have  fpoke  diminitively 
of  the  ufefulnefs  of  unconverted  Minifters,  it  was 
chiefly  in  refpect  of  Ccniittion  and  Converfion.     See  p.  1 ; , 

Now  altho*  what  I  have  offer 'd  (Joes  folly  remove 
the  Appearance  of  Contradiction,  objected  by  our 
Author  ;  yet  becaufe  one  of  the  Palliges  he  cites, 
from  the  13th.  p.  of  the  h'ctwpram  Sermon  about 
Safaris  Temptations ,  and  Chance  A  edl),  as  before  related > 
has  been  frequently  ui,'d  and  much  triumph'd  in  br 
©fpofers  this  Way,  I  have  though;  it  neceflary 
M  z 


$i         The  Ex  a  m  i  n  £  R,Ex  a  m  i  n  e  n. 

to  fignify  my  meaning,  more  tally    iu  thofe  Expreffi* 
ons.  And, 

ift.  I  do  not,  nor  never  /lid  intend  by  thefe  Ex- 
preiTions,  to  put  the  temptations  oj  Satan  in  rei*pe6t  of 
Tendency,  to  convince,  upon  a  par  with  chePreach- 
ing  ot  an  u-conver.ed  Miuifter,  when  he  preaches 
found  Doctrine,  according  co  the  Scriptures  ;  No! 
God  forbid,  I  abhor  the  thought  !         But 

idTy.  The  Particulars  therefore,  that  I  there  in-. 
fift  upon,  are  thefe  namely,  that  the  Inihnces  of 
Conviction,  by  the  Miniflry  of  unconverted  Men, 
are  (tor  the  General)  very  rare  and  Extraordinary, 
3f»d  fo  they  are  as  appears  from  what  has  been 
faid  before.  And  zdly  I  do  not  pofi  ively  aflert, 
that,  as  .many  are  convinced  by  Sat  m  lewpttfions , 
ss  by  the  preaching  of  unconverted  Minitters,  I 
only  fay  lor  what  I  know  the  Number  may  be 
equal.  I  have  met  wi  h  forne  myfeif,  that  have 
been  awakned,  by  the  temptations  ot  the  Enemy  ; 
-which  gave  me  fome  Room  iO  Jay,  what  I  have  faid» 
But  wi.i.her  the  Number  be  equal  I  will  not  aflert, 
however  I  may  fafely  fay,  chat  I  don't  know  cer- 
tainly but  it  may  ;  if  others  do,  let  them  declare  it 
and  prove  their  Aflertion  if  they  can,  but  as  for 
myfclf,  I  muft  protein  Ignorance  in  this  Point.     And, 

^dly.  As  to  chat  of  chance  medlyy  between  the 
Father  and  his  Children,  I  mean  no  more  but 
this,  viz.  *'  That  when  Perfons  happen  to  be  con- 
"  vinced  by  Sattn's  Vevpu  tions,  he  dofn't  intend  it ; 
««  and  that  it  is  fo  alio,  with  many  unconverted 
♦*  Miniflers." 

For  lliufrrations*  fake,  I  fhall  beg  leave  to  tell 
a  Story  or  two.  I  remember  to  have  heard  of  a 
graceleis  Minifter,  that  was  once  preaching  in  Bri- 
tain, and  it  happned  that  a  Gentlewomans  Maid  was 
convine'd  by  his  ^eimon,  (who  underftood  as  little 
of  the  Nature  and  Necefficy  of  Convidtion  as  the 
Mtpiftex)  and  therefore  fhe  came  to  the  Miuifter, 
and  told  him  in  a  frett,  that  he  hadfpoiYd  her  Amid 
by  bis  pntchtiig,  for  the  Maid  was  fo  aijlrefs'a  thitjle 


The  Examiner,  Ehmihid.  ?3 
eeucTnt  work  He  tOiu  her,  "  that  he  was  very  fony 
«'  for  it, ,  and  that  he  intended  no  fuch  Thing." 
Now  Sir,  was  not  this  chance  medly  ?  The  good  na- 
tur'd  Minilter  intended  no  Harm  to  the  Girle, 
(as  he  recon 'd  k)  but.  ic  tell  out  fomcthing  un- 
luckily    to  him,  poor  Man  ! 

Another  fuch  Initance,  as  I  have  been  credibly 
inform'd,  nas  hapend  lazely  in  Holand.  A  certain 
Minilter  not  long  fince,  was  railing  a^ainft  fome 
pious  Miniliersin  Jie  Neighbourhood  ;  becaufe  they 
brought  Peopie  into  diitrefs  by  their  Preaching  : 
And  in  the  mean  Time,  one  came  and  told  him* 
'*  That  a  particular  Perfon  was  brought  into  diffrefs 
**  by  his  preachi'-g,"  which  furpru'd  him,  (as  weli 
it  migh  )  and  Toon  ftop'd  his  Mouth,  poor  Gen- 
tleman! How  could  he  help  it  \  For  Accidents 
will  fomedmes  happen,  whatever  care  be  taken  to 
prevent  them. 

I  might  come  nearer  home,  and  tell  youafhort 
Story,  that  has  happened  not  long  agone,  in  this 
part  of  the  Country,  as  I  have  been  inform'd  by 
divers  Perfons  ;  which  take  as  follows,  A  certain 
Preacher  took  up  one  of  Mr.  IVJjitefield's  Sermons, 
and  read  it  in  a  Family  where  he  was  well  ac- 
quainted, (the  Heads  of  which  had  a  confiderabie 
Refpcdf,  for  him)  by  reading  the  Sermon  aforefaidj, 
the  Man  and  Woman  were  convinced;  who  had 
afterwards  lefs  regard  for  him,  when  their  Minds 
were  enlightened  then  before,  the  Preacher  came 
afterwards  to  the  Houfe,  and  exprefs'd  his  uneaii- 
nefs  at  what  had  happened,  as  to  their  being 
brought  under    Trouble    by  the   Sermon. 

I  mould  be  glad  that  Mr  tfkomfon  for  his  own 
fake,  as  well  as  on  the  Accoun:  of  che  poor  S  uls, 
hedeludes  wi:h  his  falle  and  dangerous  Uoctri  io 
about  CmviSicn  before  rela:e«',  might  meet  with 
fome  fuch  Inftances  of  chance  medly  j^i  his  Miniftra- 
tions.  Perhaps  it  mi  ,ht  Hop  his  Mouth,  and  check 
bis  Pen,  from  uttering  iuch  fophiitical  and  unjuft  re- 
flections, 


24   t     ^Hjc  Examined,  Examined. 
ilecrjons,    againft     the    Convincing    Operations  of 
God's   hcly  Spirit.  I  proceed  to  the, 

5th,  Inifance  of  fuppos'd  contradiction,  which  is 
as  follows,  "  Jl'oraiian  Sermon,  p.  53  in  order  to 
**  preferve  our  felvcs,  and  our  Pofterity,  from  the 
««  Infection  of  Error,  T  think  it  is  needful  to  ufe 
"  (in  oar  proper  Spheres)  all  fuitable  Means,  to 
*«  obtain  a  godly  learned  and  regular  Miniftry  ;  when 
«  ignorant  Novices  are  admitted  into  the  Minifte- 
««  rial  order,  they  are  apt  to  be  puff'd  up  to  the 
■««  Churches  great  Prejudice,  as  well  as  their  own, 
*'  and  to   fpread  Error  when  they  know  it  not. 

"  To  fay  that  thefe  Qualifications  may  be  or- 
f*  dinarily  attaiu'd,  without  human  Learning  is 
*'  notorioufly  Enthufiaftical,  and  Foolifh.  In  fhort 
41  human  learning  is  neceiTary,  or  there  muft  be 
«'  Infpiration  to  fupply  the  want  thereof" 

The  fuppos'd  oppofite,  is  drawn  from  the   11    p. 

of  the    JSotingham  Sermon;    which   runs  thus,  viz. 

«  The  moft  likely  Method  to    flock    the   Church, 

«  with  a  faithful  Miniftry,  {not  learned)  in  the  pre- 

«  fent  Situation  of  Things,  the  pubiick  Academy's 

•«  being  fo   much   corrupted  and    abus'd  generally, 

««  is  to   encourage  private  Schools,  or  Seminarysof 

<«  learning,  which  are  under  the  Care  of  skilful  and 

*l  experienced  Chriftians,  in  which  thofe  only  fhould 

«<  be  admitted,  who  upon  Ariel:  Examination,  have 

»<  in  the  Judgment  of  a    reafonable  Charity,    the 

«  plain  Evidences  of  experimental  Religion.     This 

"  Method  has  in  my   Opinion    a  noble  Tendency., 

««  to  build   up -he  Church    of   God,  don't  think  it 

«*  much  if  "he  Pnarifees  be  ofrended  at  fuch  a  pro- 

■«*  pofal,  &c*      To  what   has  been    mentioned,  the 

Examiner  anexes  fome  Lines  of  a  Writing  of   the 

^Oppofers m  Penfyhamay  which  runs  thus, 

««  Some  of  J&t.Vennrnts  very  good  Friends  have 
•«  confclTco,  that  this  Propofal  has  a  friendly  afpe£fc 
"  on  his  Fathers  Log-L'oufe  :  But  it's  generally  tho't, 
•<  if  that  lhould  be  built  upon  the  ruin  of  our  pub- 
«  lick  Aeademys,    neither  Religion  nor  learning 

«  would 


THC  E  X  A  U  I   N  B   R  ,     E  X  A   M   I    N  E   D.  J^ 

<<  would  be  gieatly  ferv'd  thereby,  tec  the  Exami- 
«'  tiox'pajt'   i^-  52- 

Here  in  will  be  only  necefiary  to  remove,  what 
our  Author  has  added,  and  to  add  what  he  has  lefc 
our,  arid  then  the  Contradiction  evanifhes.  And, 

i  ft.  The  Examiner  adds  to  what  he  cites  from  the 
YvUngbam  Sermon  thefe  Words  of  his  own,  in  a 
Parenthefis,  in  It  ilii  k  Characters,  namely  (rtpt  learned) 
fo  that  the  Sentence  runs  thus,  viz  The  molt  likely 
*<  Merhod  to  Stock  the  Church,  with  a  faiihfui, 
<l  (noi  learned  Miniftry)  here  indeed  if  the  Paremhe- 
iis  is  included,  as  our  Author  doubtlefs  defigned, 
by  inferring  of  it,  it  is  a  real  Contradiction,  for faichv 
fullnefs  is  oppos'd  to  learning,  but  it  is  entirely  of 
our  Authors  making:  if  he  Thinks  that  Faithful- 
nefs  and  Learning  cannot  confilt  together,  I  pity  him, 
but  beg  to  be  excus'd  from  concuring  in  fodecefta- 
ble  a  Notion.  No  Conjunction  in  more  amiable 
in  its  felf,  and  ufeful  to  the  Church  of  God,  then 
ofthofe  habks  or  g^naluies,  which  our  Author 
labours  to  fet  at  an  unfriendly    Diftaii^^, 

2dly.  The  Examiner  leaves  ou:  djkkfol'owing 
Sentence,  viz.  "  Pious  and  experidJP  Youths, 
."  who  have  a  good  natural  capacity,Krui  great  de- 
"  fires,  after  the  Minilterial  Work  from  good  Mo- 
"  tives,  mi^h:  be  fought  for,  and  found  up  and 
"  down  the  Country  ;  and  put  to  private  Schools 
"  of  the  Prophets,  efpecially  in  fuch  Places  where 
<4  the  Pubiick  ones  are  not."  Here  let  the  Rea-, 
der  obferve,  that  what  our  Author  cited,  was 
immediareiy  before  and  after  this  Sentence,  and  yet 
it  was  left  out,  which  muft  be  of  Purpofe ;  what 
unjuft  Treatment  is  this  \  And  yet  the  Examiner  pro- 
fefles  Garity,  and  now  let  the  Reader  judge,  it  we 
don't  need  the  Collums  again*  after  this  Union  of 
the   Poles. 

As  to  what  our  Author  borrows  from  the  oppo- 
fers,  this  way.  I  think  it  only  needfui  to  lay, 
briefly  as  follows,  viz.  What  if  the  Propofal  had  a 
farourable  Afpecl;  upon  the  Ltg-hiitfa  where  is  the 

Harm 


$6  The  Examiner,  Examined 
Harm  of  it  ':  Mayn't  Perfois  be  taught  as  well  in  a 
Leg -Lottie  as  in  a  Stone  or  Brick- houje  ?  in  the 
mean  Time  every  Eye  may  fee,  that  the  Propo- 
fal  refpects  not  one  Houfe  more  chan  another,  where 
born  Pie  y  and  Learning  are  regarded.  The 
Infinuation  of  building  the  Log  Foufe  upon  the  ruin 
of  publick  Academy*,  is  Invidious  ana  wkhou:  Foun- 
dation^ appears  from  what  has  been  already  menti- 
oned ;  the  Diftance  between  this  private  School  and 
any  publick  Acadcmys,  is  fo  giea:  that  their  is  no 
danger  of  its  interfeuing  wLh  th^ra. 

Whatever  contempt  thefe  Men,  from  whom  our 
Author  borrows  the  aforefaid  PafVage,  are  pleas'd 
to  caft  upon  rhe  School,  under  my  honoured  Fa- 
thers Tuition  ;  yet  Multitudes  of  Pious  People  in 
this  Land  can  witnefs,  that  divers  who  have  come 
out  of  it,  have  been  eminently  fuccefsful  in  proro- 
gating the  truly  noble  Interefts  of  vkal  Chriftia- 
nky  ;  as  the  Defign  of  its  Inftrudion,  was  to  in- 
troduce more  faithful  Miniflits  into  the  Church, 
that  thereby^  experimental  and  pa&ical  Religion, 
might,  tqjgher  wi.h  human  learning,  be  promo- 
ter, fo  ittJfcpleasM  a  gracious  God,  (adored  be 
his  Name)rocrown  with  aufpicious  Smiles,  the  humble 
Efiays,  that  have  been  made  to  ferve  his  Glorjr 
and  his  Church.  The, 

6th,  Inflance  comes  now  -.o  be  confidered,(  p.  1 7) 
which  is  taken  from  Moravian  Sermon  p.  62.  **  For 
"any  Men  to  pretend  to  know  certainly,  who  are 
**  gracious,  as  one  of  the  Aforavian's  did  in  my  hear- 
tl  ing,  is  to  aflume  an  incommunicable  Prerogative 
«'  of  God,  and  to  run  upon  this  Plan  in  Church 
"  Matters,  is  to  turn  all  into  the  wildeft  Confufion 
<«  and   Diforder  " 

The  fuppos'd  oppofite  to  what  has  been  mentioned 
is  this,  "  The  ^uerifls  pertinently  obferve,  p.  10. 
«  part  3.  Tnat  the  Scope  of  the  whole  Sermon 
"  at  Notingham9  feems  to  imply  that  Mr.  Vennent 
««  would  have  Men  to  believe,  that  they  may 
«  know  a  converted  from  an  unconverted  Mini- 

"  iter 


-    Ex  A  M  1   N  K.  It    Ex  A  M  IK  E  D. 

<>  Per,  or    elfc   would  not  the  main    Part  of  the 
<i  Fabrjck  fall  T 

Here  let  the  Reader  obferve  how  pur  chancabie 
Author  deals  with  me  again,  viz..  inftead  of  my 
Words  he  lets  the  guejifij  Words  in  one  of  the 
Collums,  viz.  Their  Judgment  of  the  Scope  of  the 
Ktiinoham  Sermon,  that  Men  may  know,  &c.  I 
anfwer,  well  what  then,  fo  they  may  know  fallibly 
and  probably  a  converted  from  an  unconverted 
Miniiter,  and  thus  the  FaUrkk  of  the  Sermon  is 
fupported,  without  any  unfriendly  Oppofition  to  the 
other  Column  ;  except  our  Author  makes  fallible, 
and  infallible  Knowledge  to  be  the  fame,  which 
"will  prove  a  herculian  Labour. 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  fay  thus,  "  The 
"  A'oraviaps  fpeak  out  what  is  more  artfully  conceal'd 
"  by  Mr.J§r«i»«rt,  under  the  Guife  cf  a  near  Guefs, 
"  a'  probable  Knowledge,  Qpc.  of  Mens  State  to- 
<«  wards  God,  by  an  Examination  of  Mens  Prin- 
"  ciples,  Experience,  ana  Practice.  Who  made. 
"  thee  a  Judge  of  Mens  in  waf^  Experiences  and  fe- 
*«  ere t Slat:.  m 

J.  Weil,  faid  Mr.  Examine^,  you  aae  rcaly  in  a 
fair  Way  to  commence  Aoravian,  if  you  are  not  one 
already.  The.  Moravians  tf*gea}e  put,  what  I  artfully 
conceal  you  f<y,  fo,  fo,  they  are  then  in  your  O- 
pinion  candid  and  open,  but  I  reierv'd  and  Hypocriti- 
cal;  well,.  I.  fee  you  are  ftill  as  charitable  tome 
as  you  was,  jufi;  when  you  put  .on  the  Cloak,  in  ther 
beginning  of  your  v/orthy  Performance.  I  fee  you' 
are  no  Changeling  in  refpect  of  your  fort  of  Charity  ! 
I  am  oblig'd  to  you  Mr.  Examiner,  for  the  hrgenefs 
of  your  Love  to  me.  You  ask  who  has  made  me  a 
judge  of   Mens  inward  Experiences  and  fee  ret  Staie  ? 

Anf.  I  pretend  not  to  judge  of  Mens  Experiences 
and  State,  immediately  or  infallibly,  but  only  me- 
diately and  fallibly,  by  the  outward  Signs  of  Speech 
and  Action ;  and  this  our  Savour  allows  of,  when 
he  tells  us,  that  the  free  is  known  by  its  Fruit.  And  is 
hot  the  Church  of  £/>fo/w  commended,  for  trying  thofe 
N  tfea: 


5>8  The  Exa  mini*,  Ehminid. 
fcha*  faid  they  weris  Apoliies,  and  were  nor,  and  for 
finding  or  difcovering  them  to  be  Lyars  Rev.  2.  And 
is  not  the  Shepherd  more  particularly  bid  to  know  the 
State  of  his  Ttock.  Prov.  27.  23.  How  Can  we  love 
the  Brethren  in  particular,  except  we  judge  them  to 
Ir  fuch  ?  The  Truth  is,  a  Judgment  of  one  kind  or 
o  her,  concerning  the  States  of  thofe  wirh  whom  we 
converfe,  we  cannot  avoid;  and  therefore  it  is  our 
Wifdom  co  ufe  Caution  in  forming  of  ic:  And  one 
Thing,  among^others,  that  helps  a  judicious  Chriftian 
much  in  this  Affair,  is  Perfons  relating  what  the 
Lord  hath  done  for  their  Souls,  or  their  Experiences 
of  a  Work  of  the  Law  and  Gcfpel  upon  their  Hearts : 
If  their  Experiences  be  agreeable  to  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  they  be  aifo  Sound  in  the  main  Doctrines 
of  Religion,  and  both  be  confirmed  by  a  holy  Gon- 
verfation,-then  fhould  we  judge  charitably  of  their 
State,  otherwife  we  have  not  Reafon  for  it.  What 
tho'  fome  Ihould  be  found  in  Principle,  and  regular 
in  Life,  yet  if,  according  to  their  own  Account,  they 
are  utterly  Lnorafl*  of  the  due  influence  of  the 
Law  and  Qpfpel  upon  their  Hearts,  or  of  Conviction 
of  Sin,  Com'munion  with  God,  and  a  heavenly  ha- 
bicual  JRyafs  of  Hearr,  we  have  Reafon  to  think 
that  their  regular'  Practice  is  but  a  dead  Form.  And 
doubtlefs  great  Caution  fhould  be  ufed  in  exprefling 
our  Opinion  concerning  others  States  towards  God ; 
leaftbyraih  judging,  we  ftrengrhen  the  Prefump- 
tuous  and  difcourage  the  Sincere- Hearted,  hurt  their 
Characters  and  hender  their  ufefuinefs  in  the  Wo;  Id  [ 
Our  Judgment  of  a  Perfons  bad  State,  mould  not 
beexprefs'd,  except  there  be  fome  fufficient  Caufe 
for  it,  and  fome  valuable  End  can  be  anfwered  by 
it.  The  contrary  Practice  tends  to  Confufion  and 
Difcord. 

But  in  the  mean  Time  may  X  crave  leave  to  ask 
cur  Author  this  Queftion,  viz.  Who  made  him  a  Judge 
*}  myfccrit  *Xhuohts  ?  Is  it  nor  inconfiftent  in  the  £&-' 
Amimr  to  firfd  fault  with  my  judging  of  the  prcfent, 
States  of  Men  towards  God  by  outward  Signs,  while 


The  ExAiitskR  Examined  99 
in  the  mean  time  he  judges  my  Tho'ts  or  State  with- 
out them,  yea  contrary  to  them?  For  dosn'c  he  in 
efrVct  fay,  I  am  of  the  Moravian  Opinion,  as  to 
judging,   tho'  I  fay  the  contrary,  and  conceal  my 

Opinion  under  the  guife  of  a  near  Guefs  ? Dosn'c 

he  herein  alTume  God's  unalianable  Prerogative  ? 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  to  cite  a  Pafl'age  from 
the  Writings  of  our  Oppofers  in  Pennfylvania,  pag. 
,11$,  116.  which  runs  thus,  "Will  Mr.  Vennent 
•*  tell  us  where  God  required  it  of  Ordinary  Mini- 
"  iters,  or  People,  to  make  positive  Judgment  of 
"  the  fecre:  States  of  orderly  ProfefTors,  or  to  fee 
**  up  a  Court  of  Inquiftrioa  to  pry  into  one  anothers 
•«  fecret  State,  any  farther  than  ft  appears  in  theit 
"  Profeflion  and  Practice  1 

JnJ.  Befides  what  has  been  already  obferv'd  upon 
the  Point  of  Jading,  for  Brevity's  fake,  I  fhall  only 
add,  that  I  have  profeff'd  no  more  than  what  our 
excellent  Directory  inculcates,  under  the  Head  of 
Ordination  of  Minifteis,  in  thefe  Words,  "  which 
11  being  conlldered  by  the  PrtSsbettery,  they  are  to 
41  proceed  to  enquire  touching  the  Grace  of  God  in 
"  him,  and  whether  he  be  of  fuch  Holinefs  of  Life 
u  as  is  requiiite  in  a  Minifter  of  the  Gofpel." 

I  think  feeing  thofe  Gentlemen  profefs  (b 
great  a  regard  to  the  Church  of  Scotland,  and  have 
adopted  her  Directory  in  this,  as  well  as  other  Points, 
they  mould  have  forbore  comparing  her  with  the 
Church  of  Rome,  upon  the  Account  of  enquiring  in- 
to Mens  fecret  States,  or  as  our  excellent  Directory 
better  exprefles  it,  touching  the  Grace  of  God  that  is 
in  them,  invidiouflv  terming  it  Jetthig  up  aCourt  offaqui- 
fttion,  hereby  alluding  to  theSpanifli  Inquisition :  It's  a 
pitty  that  thefe  Men  don't  endeavour  to  be  better 
acquainted  with  their profefs'dPrinciples!  Its  ftrange. 
that  they  will  neither  act  according  to  themfelves, 
or  fuff'er  us  to  do  fo  without  Reproach  ?  Why  arc 
they  fo  fond  of  appropriating  the  Presbyterian  Name 
to  themfelves,  While  they  take  fo  much  Pains  to 
confute  Presbyterian  Principles  ?  They  would  ac~fc 
K  %  a  mow 


ioo  The  Examiner.  Examined. 

a  more  confident  Part,  if  they  either  renounc'd  then? 

Practice  or  Profeffion. 

Their  oppoiing  all  enquiries  into  Mens  fecret 
State,  as  they  term  it,  gives  Reafon  to  fufpecl:  their 
want  of  experimental  Religion,  as  well  as  unfaith- 
fulnefs  in  the  minifteriai  Work .!  Thofe  who  have 
Chriitian  Experience,  are  fo  far  from  thinking  that 
the  relating  thereof  is  like  aSpanifh  Engine  of  torture, 
that  they  take  gaeat  Pleafure,  with  the  Pfalmiit  of 
old,  in  telling  to  thofe  that  fear  God,  what  the 
Lord  has  done  for  their  Souls  ;  and  in  rendering  a 
Reafon  of  the  Hope  that  is  within  them,  to  every- 
one thatasketh  a   Queftion What  a  fuperfkial 

fort,  of  Minifters  muft  thofe  be  whooppofe  all  en- 
enquiries  into  the  State  of  their  Flock?  for  without 
this,  how  can  they  fpeak  fuitably  in  a  particular 
Manner,  to  the  various  Cafes  of  their  Hearers  ? 
For  Minifters  to  try  to  convince  or  comfort  Perfons 
in  their  privateDifcourfe,  before  anEnquiry  into  their 
State 9  is  like  a  Phyiician's  giving  Doles  of  Phyficlc 
at  random,  without  »j©nquiring  into  the  Nature  of 
the  Difeafe  that  the  Patient  labours  under.  Whether 
fuch  a  Practice  dosn't  tend  to  kill  rather  than  cure 
People,  let  the  Reader  judge. 

I  mall  only  add  at  prefent,  to  what  has  been  faid 
under  this  Head,  this  Sen:ece  from  my  Nottingham 
Sermon,  which  I  think  is  juft,  tho'  fome,.  for  their 
own  Ends,  defpife  it,  namely,  "  That  Thieves  flee 
"  a  Search,  leaft  their  Helen  Goods  ihould  be  dis- 
covered. See  John  5.  19,  20,  21.  Jnd  this  is  the  Con- 
demnation, that  Light  is  come  into  the  If'orld  and  A.  en 
hied-  Darkmfs  rather  then  Light,  becaufe  their  Leeds  were. 
Evil  ;  for  every  cm  that  doeth  Evil,  hateth  the  Light,  neither 
cometh  to  the  Light,  leaft  his  Leeds  Jlmild  be  reproved. 
But  he  that  loveth  Truth  cometh  to  the  Light,  that  his' 
'Leeds  may  be  made  AJaniteJl  that  they  are  wrought  in 
God. 

I  haften  to  the  7th  Inftance  of  pretended  Contra- 
diction, p.  18.  which  is  borrow'd  from  Moravian 
Sermon   p.  <si,  "  Do  any  efkem  this  new  upltarc 

"  Moravian 


The  Examiner,  Exam!  ner.  ioi 
44  Moravian  Sect  becaufe  of  their  fhew  of  Humility; 
44  while  in  the  mean  time  they  under valua  all  hue 
14  themfelvesl 

44  Some  of  the  Heads  of  that  Party  have  fpoken 
•*  reproachfully  at  hlew-Brunftukk,  ot  all  the  Pro- 
44  tenant  reformec  Churches.  One  of  them,  in  my 
44  hearing  compar'd  them  to  Babel :  Is"  this  Humility 
44  to  imagine  themielvcs  more  advanced  in  Grace, 
44  then  all  the  World  befides  ? 

The  fuppos'd  oppofite  Inftance,  is  taken  from  the 
Nottingham  Sermon  p.  n.  12.  where  he  fays,  "  I 
44  condemn  the  Bony  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Gene- 
<4  ration,  as  fwarms  of  Locufts,  crowds  ot  Phanfees, 
44  that  have  as  covetoufly  as  cruelly  crept  into  the 
44  Mir.iftry,  in  this  adulterous  Generation  ;  who 
44  as  nearly  referable  the  Character  given  of  the  old 
44  Phariiees,  as  one  Crows  Egg  does  another.' 

Again  p.  9.  "  the  Bulk  of  her  lpiricual  Guides, 
44  are  ftone  Blind  and  ftone  Dead. 

4  This  reproachful  Cenfure  of  the  Body  of  the 
4  Clergy  of  the  Prctefiant  reformed  Churches^  is  abun- 
4  dautly  confirmed  by  Mr.  <7\j  reply  ioi\lr.  bickinfons 
*■  Propofal  for  an  Accommodation  in  Behalf  of  him- 
4  felf  and  adherents,  lays  he,  44  We  are  informed, 
41  that  the  Church  of  Scotland  \s  in  a  very  declining, 
44  degenerate  State,  many  p'f  her  Members  corrupt 
44  in  Principles,  and  more  void  of  the  Power  of 
44  Rcligioir;  as  alio  that  the  Church  of  Ireland  (I 
44  mean  the  Presbyterian)  is  notorioufly  corrupted, 
44  They  feem  to  be,  as  far  as  we  hear,  funk  into 
44  a  deep  and  dreadful  Security. 

44  We  are  informed  that  the  Presbyterians  in  En- 
44  gland  have  generally  but  little  of  the  Life  of  Re- 
44  ligian  among  them  ;  and  that  feveral  of  them  are 
44  corrupted  with  grofs  and  damnable  Errors.  And 
44  by  the  beft  Information  we  can  get,  a  dead  For- 
44  mality  generally  prevails  too  much  in  £oflony  and 
44  many  other  Places  of  iSe-zi'- England.  Indeed  we 
44  are  of  Opinion  that  the  Majority  ot  Church- Ju- 
44  dicatories,  almoft  every   where,   are    dead  For- 

44  maliffo 


102      The  Examiner,   Examined. 
44  malifts,  if  they  have  got  that  length  ;  and  therefore 
44  we  incline  to  make  no  ^more  Application  to  Men 
44  in  the   Affair  aforefaid. 

«  Where  then  is  Wifdcm  and  the  Potter  of  Godlhiefs    to 

4  he  found\    Why  truly  among  the    lktle  Bnnf- 

4  wick    Party,  that  little  Flock.     The  Genera- 

4  lity  of  Proteftants  are  but  dead  Formalifts  at    a 

4  beft  ;  for  f®  Mr,  <T.  proceeds    to  fayj 

44  We  are  allured,  Gentlemen)  That  it  Is  the  Caufe 

4i  of  GOD   that  We  are   engaged  in,  and  therefore 

*4  refolved  to  detend  it  till  Death  againft  all  Oppo- 

*4  fers."      See    Examinaiicn,   cVc.     Page    oj     n,   12 

*  The  above  Character  given  of  the  Min  liters  of 
«  our  Perfuafion  in  England,  Scotland*  Ireland  and 
«  New- England,  agrees  well  with  Mr.  ST'-s  pronouri- 

*  cing  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Generation, 

*  Judas*  s,    hypocritical  Varlets,  &c,     * 

*  *  Mr.  Vennent   in  his  Sermon   St  Nottingham,  ap- 

*  pears  as  an  Ijbmael  among  the  Body  of  the  Clergy 

*  of  this  Generation. 

*  Where  is  Mr.  T'/  Charity   to  hlmfelf  and  his  Party 

1  Jhewn  here  ?  and  yet  this  is  the  Gentleman  that   has 

'  the  Face  to  recommend  the  Pertue   of  Charity   to 

1  others  in  his  fifth  Sermon,  &>c.   viz. 

"  That  Charity  which  thinketh   no  Evil :  furelv  then 

**  it  w ill fpeak  none.     That  Charily  which  inclines 

*<  to  Mildnefs,  Candour  and  Courtefe  in  Speech  and 

«4  Behaviour,   it  behaveth  it/elf  not   unfeemly.      That 

«'  Charity  which  prefers  a  publick  Good  to  a  private 

«*  Intereft,  it  feekeih  not  her  own  things.      And  that 

<4  Charity  that  inclines  thofe  that  pofTefs   it  to  Hu- 

«4  mility,  it  vauxteth  not  itfelf,   is  not  pt'jfed  up.    <IhoH 

*{  that  teachefi  another,  teacheft  thou  not  thyfelj  1 

Well  we  have  had  a  long  Story,  but  where  is  the 
Contradiction  ?  Why  I  have  faulted  the  Moravians 
for  their  undervaluing  all  but  themfelves,  and  fpeak- 
ing  reproachfully  of  all  the  Proteftant  reformed 
Churches.  And  this  our  Author  labours  to  make 
me  Guilty  of,  by  muttering  up  again  the  thread  bare 
Story  ot  Barnes,  which  has  been  before  confidered  ; 

but 


The  Examiner,    Examined.     igj 

bufwhac  a  poor  Proof  is  this?  Both  the  Paflkges  cited 
do  not  relpect  the  fame diing,  and  therefore  cIu-jC, 
cannot  be  a  Contradiction  in  them.  Tiie  one  refpects 
the  Proteftant  reformed  Churches  in  particular; 
and  the  oilier  the  unconverted  Clergy  in  General, 
of  all  forts  of  Cnriftian  Societies.  It  our  Author 
believes  that  the  Clergy  is  the  Church,  as  it  wouVi 
feem  lie  does,  by  pretending  a  Contradiction  in 
thofe  PaiTages,  then  he  is  a  Papifi  (at  leaft  in  that 
point)  but  if  he  thinks  that  the  unconverted  Clergy 
of  all  the  Churches  in  general,  are  t-he  Proteftanr  re- 
formed. Churches  in  particular,  (which  is  neceflary 
to  make  out  the  Charge  again  ft  me)  then  he  has 
loft  Common  Senfe  :  And  if  he  thinks  that  the  Body 
of  the  Clergy  of  all  Denominations  are  Uncon- 
verted, (as  it  would  feem  by  his  charging  directly 
rfpon  t Ik  Body  of  the  Clergy,  thofe  Epithets  which 
I  charg'd  directly  upon  the  Unconverted,  and  but 
indirectly  aud  hypothetically  upon  the  Body  of  the 
Qergy  of  this  Generation)  I  fay,  if  the  Cafe  be 
fbf  the  Examiner  does  himfelf  what  he  -finds  fault 
with  in  me. 

But  be  that  as  it  will,  our  Author  represents  my 
Mir  d  unfairly,  while  he  trys  'to  make  his  Reader 
believe  that  I  Charge  the  aforefaid  Characters  upon 
the  Bony  of  the  Clergy  circ&Iy,  and  carefully  leaves 
out  the  Word  Unconverted  (as  it  would  feem)  leaft 
the  Reader  fhould  form  a  juft  Notion  of  my  Sen- 
timents. 

And  when  our  Author  mentions  fome  part  of  my 
reply  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dickenfons  Proposals,  he  art- 
ftiljy  turns  what  I  had  faid  in  the  Xcitingham  Sermon 
againft  unconverted  Minifters  of  every  Church  ii* 
general,  to  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  the  reform- 
ed Churches  in  particular,  which  tends  to  heighten 
the  Charge,  without  a  juft  Ground,  againft  that 
Sermon,  as  if  I  had  intended  in  it,  only  the  un- 
converted Minifters  of  the  reformed  Churches, 
ftri&ly  fo  called,  which  is  really  falfe.  The  Ex- 
preflions  in  the  Sermon  are  indefinite  and  general, 

anil 


104  The  Exam  i  n  £  r,Ex  ami  n  £  n . 
and  therefore  cannot,  without  a  force  upon  thern, 
be  reftricted,  as  our  Author  fijggefts.  I  mention 
in  the  Sermon  the  Badges  of  different  Kinds  of 
Clergymen,  namely,  not  only  bands  and  Black 
Coats,  but  Gowns,  (Seep.  18.)  which  fhows  that  I 
had  in  View  the  Clergy  of  different  Churches  in 
the  Compoiure  of  it. 

Well  and  what  do  I  fay  in  the  aforefaid  Reply, 
but  relate  a  credible  Accounr,  which  we  have  had 
of  the  declining  State  of  Relijion  in  general,  a- 
mong  the  Presbyterians  in  England,  Scotland,  Ireland 
and  Keiv-Ewfand  ;  and  was  not  the  Relation  true 
at  that  Time  ?  If  not,  let  the  Examiner  favour  us 
-with  a  jufter  Account  of  the  Matter,  and  we  fhall 
be  obliged  to  him.  I  fhould  be  exceeding  glad  to 
be  miftajsen  on  that  fide  of  the  Queftion*.  I  fay 
what  is  there  in  the  reply,  but  the  aforefaid  Relation, 
excepting  that  PalTage  of  the  AJajority  of  the  Church 
^judicatory  s  being  dead  Form  alijh,  &c.  But  it  fhould  be 
obfervec,  that  the  following  qualifying  and  limiting 
Terms  are  added  to  it,  namely,  that  it  is  not  re- 
prefented  as  a  Matter  of  abfolure  Certainly,  but  of 
Opinion  only  ;  and  that  the  Words  almojl  every  where, 
are  added^  thereto.  Our  mentioning  this,  after  the 
aforefaid  Relation  of  what  we  had  been  informed  of, 
ihews  that  it  was  bottom'd  thereupon,  in  fome 
Meafure. 

Our  Author  next  adds,  fcveral  Lines  of  his  own 
in  the  middle  of  the  Para-raph  he  cites  from  me, 
•which  has  a  tendency  to  marr  my  meaning.  But 
what  is  it  that  he  is  fa  eager  to  utter,  why  this  filly 
Satyr,  namely,  "  li  tere  thrnis  i-l i\dom  and  the  Toilet 
«c  of  Godliness  to  he  found1.  W^y  -truly  among  the  little 
w  Bnwfuhk  Party',  that  little  Flock.  The  Gene- 
"  rality  of  Proteftaius  aie  but  dead  Formalifts,  at 
«  belt,   &c. 

j,nf.  Why  does  the  Examiner,  without  any  Foun- 
dation,   rnfmuate,    that    I     confine  IVifdom  and  the 
Toiler  of  Godlinefs  to  my  feif  and   Brethren,  or  pre- 
fer ourielvcs  to  other  jaithjul  Mkiifters  of  the  re- 
formed 


The  Examiner  Examined.  »~> 
Torm'd  Churches,  when  there  is  not  a  Word  of  this 
Tendency  in  all  our  writings  ;  God  forbid,  that 
we  fhould  entertain  fuch  an  unreafonable  and  de- 
teftable  Opinion  of  ourfelves  ;  no  we  delire,  as  we 
have  great  Reafon,  to  prefer  others  before  our- 
felves in  Love,  and  do  judge  of  ourfelves,  (and  are 
willing  to  be  tho'c  fo  of  others)  left  then  the  le.ifi  of 
'all   Saints. 

Neither  will  the  Foundation  our  Author  goes 
npon  in  the.Infmuation  aforefaid,  biar  the  Strcfthe 
lays  upon  it.  What  if  we  had  faid,  That  the,  gene- 
rality of  Protejlants  are  but  dead  Formalifis  at  befi.  Will 
not  the  Scripture,  fupport  fuch  an  AiTertion,  while 
they  inform  us,  That  many  are  caWd  and  few  cho- 
fen.  That  Strait  is  the  Gate  and  narrow  is  the  IVaJ  that 
leads  to  Life,  and  that  few  find  it,  That  many  Jhall  feek 
to  enter  in  and  Jhall  not  be  able.  And  dons't  the  Para- 
ble of  the  Sower  give  farther  Light  and  Force 
to  this  Argument?  For  therein;  But  one  in  four 
received  the  Word, aright.  Dofn't  the  Examiners 
offering  the  aforefaid  particular,  as  an  Objection 
againft  us,  betray  grofs  Ignorance  of  the  Scriptures, 
and  look  like  an  uiter  unacquaintednefs  with  expe- 
rimental Religion  \ 

Our  Author  adds  another  Paragraph  of  his  own 
to  this  Effect.  ««  Where  is  Mr.  Verinenfs  Charity 
"  to  himfelf  and  his  Party  fhewn  here  1  and  this  is 
"  the  Gentleman;  that  has"  the  Face  to  recomi- 
41  mend  Charity  to  others  in  his   5th  Sermon." 

Jnf.  I  fee  no  uncharitableheis iih  afterting  that  to 
be  the  Caufe  of  God,  which  we  were  then  and  arc 
ftill  endeavouring  to  promote ;  namely,  experimental 
And  practical  Religion,  and  in  a  refolute  oppofing  of 
two  Ads  made  by  a  Majority  of  the  Synod,  which 
we  were  and  are  ftill  perfwaded  had  a  Tendency  to 
bbftrucr.  the  fame,  tho*  doubtlefs  they  appeared  :<> 
others  of  our  Brethren  (fome  of  whom  we  believe 
are  heartily  engag'd  in  promoting  experimental  Pfo- 
ty)  in  another  Light.  Thcfe  Acts  which  I  havr 
Mentioned  in  my  Remarks  upon  their  protcti ,  gavr 
O  rric 


i66      The  EtfAMitfER,  Examinej* 
rife  to  the    uneafineffes  which   fubfift    among    us 
Our  reafonings  againft  which,  mention \i  in  the  a- 
forefaid  Remarks,  our  oppofers  have  not  tho't  propel/ 
yet  to  make  any  particular  reply  to. 

I  (till  approve  of  the  Defcription  of  Charity,  which" 
our  Author  cites  from  my  Moravian  Sermon  :  And 
am  pcrfwaded  that  I  have  acted  according  to  it, 
it\  fetting  forth  the  Danger  of  an  ungodly  Mini- 
ftry  ;  but  this  I  have  fpoke  upon  before,  and  there- 
fore muft   not  inflft  here. 

Only  I  muft  beg  leave  to  ask  our  Authtr,  who' 
profefles  fo  much  Charity,  how  he  can  reconcile 
therewith  his  manifold  unjuft  dealing  with  me,  and 
his  patronizing  the  ungodly  Miniftry,  his  grum- 
bling and  taking  it  ill  that  they  fhould  have  their 
juft  Characters  ?  while  ill  the  mean  Time  he  favours 
heretical  A!oraviansy  and  other  Shifmaticks  this  way/ 
and  adopts  their  invidious  Character  of  me,  viz. 
*«  tfkat  I  appear  in  my  Notingham  Sermon,  as  Ifhmacl 

<c  among  the  Body  of  the   Clergy  of  this  Generation'1 

While  in  the  meafi  Time  he  flights  and  oppofes  thofe 
pious  Ministers  in  general,  who  have  been  inftru- 
mental  in  promoting  the  late  Reformation.  To 
oppofe  and  detect  ungodly  Mfnifters,  does  it  not 
look  more  like  the  Practice  of  Jeretntah  and  Mcajah^ 
then  of  ifiimael?  And  now  Sir,  I  beg  you  wont  take 
it  amifsj  if  in  the  Conclufion  of  this  Paragraph,  I  re- 
turn your  Queftich,  thou  that  Seachefi  another^  teachefi 
ihou  not  thy  f elf  1 

Having  now  conlidered  out  Authors  Charges  as 
to  pretended  Inconfiftencies  in  Doctine,  let  us  pro- 
ceed to  examine  his  Comparifon  of  the  Conversion,' 
and  after  Experiencies  faid  to  be  prbpogated  by  Mr. 
<f.  and  his  Party  ;  and  this  our  Author  is  pleafed  to 
introduce,  with  an  Apoligy  for  Count  Zinzendorff  and 
ISlr.  Bettner's  contradicting  of  themfelves,  p.  20. 
Me  asks,  "  Why  I  deny  to  thofe  Moravian  Gen- 
**  tlemen,  the  Liberty  I  take  to  my  felfto  fay  and 
f  unfay  Things  as  it  liketh  me." 


The  E  x  a  hi  i  n  i  ,R ,    Ex  a  m  i  N  f.  p.        10.7 

Jnfw.  t  have  never  taken  fuch  a  Liberty,  and  I 
hope  never  fhall,  and  as  our  Author  has  not  nor 
cannot  prove  his  malignant  Charge,  it  is  flanderous 
cruel  Calumny,  which  may  God  ot  his  infinite  Mercy 
forgive. 

And  now  we  come  to  our  Authors  Charge,  p. 
21.  which  is  as  follows,  quoted  from^.  IQ3  ot  the 
jfpendix. 

11  The  Conierjlon  of  the  moft  of  them,  is  very 
44  flighty,  done  in  a  Moment ;  have  we  not  reafon  to 
44  fear  their  Converfion  is  but  a  ftrong  flight  of  I- 
44  magtnation,  a  Satanicaipelufjoa  ] 

M  And  we  have  more  reafon  tor  the  Fear  afore- 
44  faid,  when  we  confidcr  how  eafie  they  are  ge- 
f*  nerally,  after  their  fuppofed  Converfion,  wnh- 
44  out  Fears,  without  corrplainis  of  Sin,  &Pc.  did  not 
44  the  Seed  fown  on  the  ftony  Ground,  fpring  up 
44  quickly  ;  but  on  the  Contrary,  did  not  the  good 
44  Ground  bring  forth  fruit  with  Patience"*. 

44  If  we  will  believe  the  Scriptures,  does  not 
44  their  Converfion  and  after  Experiencies,  look 
44  like  Prefumttion  and  Jpeluften  1 

In  the  opposite  Collumh  are  thefe  Words,  "  If 
44  w-e  are  to  judge  of  ihc  tfnfoundnej t  of  Converfion,  by 
44  the  Suddainnefs  thereof,  have  we  not  asmuchRea- 
j*  foil  to  fear,  that  the  Converfion  of  many  among  the 
44  R  Bruwf*v\ck  Party ,  is  a  ftrong  flight  oflmagina- 
44  tion,  or  a  Satanical  Delufion  1 

44  Even  fuch  is  the  eafy,  quiet,  happy  State  of 
*4  Multitudes  of  the  late  Converts,  without  fear, 
44  without  Complaints,  &Pc.  Why  then  fhould  the 
44  State  of  the  one,  be  better  and  fafer  then  that  of 
44  the  other  ? 

Anfw.  It  is  invidious  in  our  Author  ftill  to  keep 
up  the  contemptuous  title  Page  over  the  Heads  of  his 
tollumns  ;  while  in  the  mean  Time  he  puts  his 
own  Woi'ds  in  one  of  them,  and  not  mine ;  but 
tQ   pafsthis. 

I  beg  leave  to  obferve  that  our  Author  is  very 
jpar'tial  and  defective  in  his  Reprefentation   of  the 


IOS  The  ExiMINEJ,ExAM!   NED, 

Reafons  of  my  Fears,  relpedin^  the  Moravian  C^^r 
verfion,  he  picks  up  a  peice  of  a  Sentence  here 
and  there,  and  leaves  out  the  chief  Parr  ;  to  mak^ 
this  appear  I  will  cite  the  whole  Paragraphs  he  re- 
fers to,  and  they  are  thefe. 

44  As  to  their  Conversion  and  after  Expericncies, 
**  the  Gonverfion  of  the  moft  of  them  (if  we  credit 
**  the  Count's  A  {lemon,  and  we  may  reafonably 
*'  fuppofe  that  he  knows  pretty  well  the  State  of 
"  his  own  Se6t)  is  very  flighty,  its  without  any 
"  Preparatory  Law  Work,  done  in  a  foment.  If 
<c  they  have  received  the  aforefaid  Dodtrines,  have 
"  we  not  Reafon  to  fear  that  their  Convcrfion 
*l  is  but  a  ftrong  flight  or  Imagination,  or  a  Satanical 
**  Delufion.  And  we  have  the  more  Reafon  for  the 
"  Fear  aforefaid,  when  we  confidcr  how  Eafy  they 
€t  are  generally  after  their  fuppos'd  Convcrfion, 
M  without  Fears,  without  Complaints  of  Sin,  Scran- 
«*  gets  to  the  Spiritual  War,  Stangers  to  theKnow- 
"  ledge  of  their  own  Hearts,  always  in  one  fort  of 
**  Frame,  or  as  it  were  put  to  Sleep  and  happy,  as 
<c  the  Got**  expreiTes  it.  did  not  the  Seed  fown  ori 
■*«  the  Stony  Ground  fpring  up  quickly  ?  but  on  the 
11  Contrary,  did  not  the  good  Ground  bring  forth  Frufo 
il  with  Patience  1  did  not  the  poor  Man  in  the  Gof- 
Ki  pic  bewail  bis  unbelief'  1  And  are  we  not  commanded 
«c  tofght  the  Fight  of  Faith  \\i  we  will  believe  the 
**  Scriptures,  does  not  their  Gonverfion  and  Expc- 
"  riences  look  like  Prefumption  and  Velufionl  Their 
"  Ignorance  about  the  Nature  of  a  true  and  favin* 
<c  Faith,  adds  awful  weight  to  what  has  been  now 
«c  obferv'd. 

Here  the  Reader  may  eafily  perceive,  that  what 
I  have  faid  refpe&ing  the  Suddamnefs  of  their  Con- 
Converfion,  is  join'd  in  the  fame  Sentence  with 
their  want  of  a  Preparatory  law  Work,  upon  which 
the  principle  Strefs  is   laid. 

Befides  what  I  have  laid  of  their  Eafe  after  Cwier- 

tj   is   join'd    with    the  Account   ot  their   being 
trangers  to  the  fp.iritual  War,  ami  the  Knowledge 

of. 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  ic$ 
of  their  own  Hearts  ;  my  Fears  rclpectin:;  their 
Converfion,  are  likewifc  botcom'd  upon  the  Sup- 
pofition  of  their  receiving  or  embracing  the  dread- 
ful Dochines  contained  in  the  Apendix,  particular- 
ly upon  their  averting  hiflorkal  Faith  to  be  fiih*y 
and  their   rejecting  of  God's  Law. 

Dofn't  our  Author  know  in  his  Conscience, 
that  thefe  things  can'c  be  juftly  char^'d  upon  us, 
God  knoweth  that  we  abhor  them.  What  a  wicked 
rind  fhamclefs  Part  does  the  Examiner  then  Act,  in 
his  partial  deceitful  Application  ?  And  how  un- 
reafonable  is  his  Query  from  thence,  viz.  Why  then 
frould  the  State  of  the  one  be  better  and  fafcr  than  the  other  ? 
Has  our  Author  then  no  regard  to  the  precious 
Doctrines  of  Chriftianky  which  the  Moravians  op- 
pofe  ?  Has  he  no  refpect  for  the  Law  of  Gody  and 
a  preparative   Work  of  it  ? 

As  to  what  our  Author  fays  concerning  Multi- 
tudes of  the  late  Converts,  being  in  an  eafie,  quiet 
and  happy  Scare  without  Fear. 

Wnf.  That  fome  are  'deceiv'd  refpecting  their 
State  towards  God,  who  have -been  under  good  Im- 
preffions  during  the  late  revival  of  Religion  in  this 
Land,  I  doubt  not.  This  is  but  a  ufual  Event,  and 
therefore  no  way  difparages  God's  Work,  Prefnmption 
flows  from  the  Sophiflry  of  Satan,  who  blinds  the 
Eyes  of  thofe  that  believe  not,  and  from  the  Corrup- 
tion of  Mens  Hearts,  which  are  deceitful  and  defpe- 
ratcly  wicked.  It  cannot  be  therefore  charg'd  upon 
Minifters,  except  they  preach  Doctrines  that  tend 
thereto  ;  which  we  defy  x.htE^ami?:er  to  prove  upon  us. 
If  our  Doctrines  had  been  of  a  prefumptious  Tenden- 
cy, is  it  probable  that  fb  many  Thoufands  would 
have  been  alarmed  by  them,  out  of  their  Security? 
And  therefore  the  Examiner  is  guilty  of  a  notori- 
ous falfehood,  when  he  fays,  p.  21.  That  fuch  a 
Vonverjion  and  Experiences  as  he  defcribes,  was  pro- 
pagated by  me  and  my  Party.  Whereas  the  Al- 
mighty knows  and  many  of  his  People,  among 
iv horn  we  have  labour '4 1  that  it  has  been  our  Prin- 
ciple, 


I io     The   Examined    Examined. 
ciple  endeavour  to  fap  the   Foundations  of  a  Falfc 
hope.    ' 

Our  Author  muft  excufe  me  if  I  can't  fo  eafily 
credit  his  Aftertion,  as  to  the  multitudes  of  the  late 
Converts  being  without  Fear,  &c.  he  has  fo  often  fail'd 
in  his  Charges  again  ft  me,  that  I  can't  but  Quefti- 
pn  his  Veracity,  efpeciaiiy  when  he  is  prejudiced , 
as  he  certainly  is  again  ft  the  late  revival  of  Religi- 
on, fee  p.  24.  What  good  do  the  Itenerants  do  by 
il  their  Traveling,  unlefs  it  be  to  low  Tares  to, 
5<  corrupt  and  devide  religious  People  ? 

Here  the  Examiner  abfolutely  denys,  that  any 
good  was  done  by  Itinerary  preachers.  And  yet  he 
owns  p.  27.  That  fome  were' brought  under  a  pre- 
paratory Work  of  the  Law  by  my  i^iniftry  (who 
am  doubtlefs  intended  as  one  of  them)in  thefe Words,, 
6t  It  is  notorious  that  he  himfelf  not  only  fmil'd  but 
«'  laugh'd  heartily  over  his  Converts,  while  they 
€<  were  under  a  preparatory  Work  of  the  Law.'9 
Now  the  Examiner  muft  either  acknowledge  that 
it  is  doing  no  good  to  bring  (inftrumentaly)  fe- 
cure  finners  under  a  preparatory  Work  of  the  Law, 
or  confefs  his  Contradiction  Befides  a  Contradic- 
tion to  the  aforefaid  palTage  is  imply *d,  in  his  Words 
that  I  am  now  confidering  :  For  while  he  fays,  That 
Multitudes  of' the.  late  Converts  are  without  Fear,  this 
plainly  fuppofes  that  fome  of  them  are  not.  And' 
fo  that  there  has  been  lome  good  done  by  thcltineraryi 
Preaehers,  who  have  been  us'd  as  Principle  In- 
struments in  promoting  the  late  Conversions.  And 
indeed  this,  the  Examiner  in  fome  fort  confefles  in 
relation  to  my  felf,  while  he  calls  me  a  Principal 
mover  and  promoter  of  the  pajftonate  Religion  now  prevailing 
among  fo  many,  p.     26. 

It  is  not  probable  that  our  Author  wou'd  converfc 
with  fomany  of  the  late  Converts  as  he  talks  of, 
Confidering  his  prefent  Prejudice,  and  therefore  his 
knowledge  muft  come  by  the  Information  of  others, 
who  its  like  were  as  much  prejudiced  as  himfelf 
{  belive  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  converting 

r/irh 


L 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  ii; 
With  rhore  of  them  then  our  Author,  by  Reafon 
of  my  Travels.  And  I  muft  declare  to  the  Glory 
of  divine  Grace,  that  I  have  met  with  Multitudes*' 
who  in  the  Judgment  of  a  Scriptural  and  reafona- 
ble  Charitv,  had  ihe  plain  Signatures  of  a  ipecial 
Work  of  God  upon  their  Souls. 

The  principal  Members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Nezv- 
7vrk>  have  the  la(V  Year  in  their  Proteft,  given 
their  lbiemn  fufferage  to  the  reality  of  the  late 
revival  of  Religion  in  this  Land,  and  th;sv  Year 
both  our  Presbyteries  viz.  of  Xeiv-Bnmfiuick  and 
Ne<w-C*pie,  have  given  a  unanimous"  Declaration 
in  behalf  of  God's  Work,  which  has  been  fwectly 
fpreading  among  us  lately,  iileffed  be  Jehovah  for 
it. 

And  now  let  us  proceed  to  our  Authors,  iad.  p, 
and  here  he  obfefves  that  I  fay  in  p.  S.  of  my 
Moravian  Sermon  thus.  ««  What  is  the  Moravia*, 
"  Faith,  but  a  forry  mufriroom,  of  a  nights  growth 
••  unworthy  of  the  name  of  Faith." 

Upon  the  oppofite  Collumn  to  which  the  Exami- 
ner inferts  theie  Words  of  his  own.  "  Yea  and  all 
««  fuch  like  fuddain  Converfions,  are  equally  Prc- 
"  fumptuous  and  DelunVe,  but  as  a  forry  muihrooiri 
M  of  a  Nights  Growth." 

Here  let  the  reader  obferve,  that  the  Bcamifiit 
wrongs  me  in  not  reprefenti.ng  my  true  Senfe  and 
Meaning.  He  only  cites  a  fhort  Concluflon,  which 
I  drew  from  certain  Premifes,  in  which  my  Opini- 
on was  explain'd  without  mentioning  the  Premt- 
fes  themfeives,  E.  O.  He  has  (as  it  feems)  purpos- 
ly  lefc  out  the  following  Lines,  which  do  immediately 
t;o  before  what  he  related,  and  fully  fhew  my 
meaning,  namely,  •'  What  then  can  we  reafonabry 
•<  fuppofe  that  Faith  to  be,  which  has  no  humbling 
"  Pieparatives,  no  after  Conflicts  and  Troubles, 
"  and  confift  not  in  a  receiving  of  CHRIST,  and 
*'«  retting' upon  him  for  Salvation"  ?  And:  then  follow 
tfec  Words  he  has  cited. 

The 


U  2     The  Examiner,    E  x  a  m  i  k  e  i>\ 

The  reader  may  eafily  fee,  how  partial  and  un~ 
juft  his  comparifon  is,  snr!  Therefore  Iuconciufive, 
whatever  fuddain  Conversions  there  be,  attended 
with  the  a forefaid  Characters  ;  we  reject  them  and 
believe  them  to  be  bat  forty  A.'uforooms  ;  but  we  dare 
not  reject  Converficns  meerly  becaufe  of  their  Suddain- 
nefs;  if  thefe  Perfons  have  had  humbling  Prepa- 
ratives, have  been  enabled  to  receive  CHRIST,  and 
reft  upon  him  for  Salvation;  have  after  conflicts, 
and  a  general  free  bene  of  Heart,  and  Practice 
Godward  and  Heavenward. 

And  this  we  have  the  fulleft  Evidence,  that  the 
Nature  of  fuch  Things  can  admitt  of,  is  the  Cafe 
of  many  who  have  been,  during  the  late  glorious 
revival  of  Religion,  brought  from  a  State  of  Na- 
ture to  a  State  of  Grace  in  this  Land.  We  dare 
not  prefume  to  bound  Omnipotence,  or  fet  limits  to 
the  Operations  of  an  infinitely  fovereign  God, 
in  his  bringing  fallen  Creatures  to  an  intereft  in 
iiis  Love.  His  Spirit  blows  when  and  where  hfc 
lifteth. 

And  indeed  I  can't  but  think  the  Examiner  \s  pro* 
fanely  bold  in  doing  fo,  in  thofe  Lines  of  his  which 
I  but  juft  now  mentioned  .  At  this  rate  of  pro- 
ceeding the  moft  of  the  Converfions  in  the  Apoftolick 
Times,  muft  be  condemned  as  Mufi)r§oms,  for  was 
not  the  Converfon  of  the  three  Ihoufand  as  well  as  of 
Paul,  Zachens  and    Lydia,  fuddain  ? 

And  what  tho*  fuddain  Converfions  be  followed  with 
Raptures,  if  they  have  the  Antecedents,  Concom- 
mitants  and  Effects,  before  mentioned,  they  fliould 
not  be  rejected  on  the  Account  of  them.  For  are 
we  not  told,  That  the  Kingdom  of  God  confifts  in  Righ- 
Uouftcfsj  Place  and  Joy  in  the  holy  Ghofi  ?  And  didn't 
iome  in  the  primitive  Times  receive  the  Word 
with  Joy,  yea  rejoice  with  Joy  mfpeakalle  and  full  6f 
Glory,  and  what  can  be  greater  than  this  ? 

If  Perfons  after  much  forrow  and  uneafinefs, 
upon  their  meeting  with  fomc  unexpected  and  im- 
portant temporal  Good,  have  been  fo  overcome  with 


tV  Examiner, Exam  I  ned.         U  % 

Joy  and  Rapture,  that  they  have  fainted  away  ;  is 
IE  any  wonder  that,  divine  Things  fhou'd  affect  as 
much,  which  are  of  infinitely  greater  Weight  and 
ConfeojucKce,  when  they  are  beheld  by  that  Faith 
which  is  the  Snbftcmce  of  tfhiwti  net  feen,  and  the  Lvi- 
dence  of  things  hoped  jvr.  Certainly  the  greater  Diftrefe 
Perfons  are  in  before  they  receive  Comfort,  thro* 
a  fight  of  Goo's  juitice  and  riolinefs,  as  well  as 
of  their  own  Vilenefs,  together  with  the  Fears  of 
impending  Vengeance,  the  more  in  Proportion  they 
arc  wont  to  be  affected  with  a  Senfe  of  pardoning 
Mercy. 

I  remember  to  have  heard  in  the  Famous  Story 
of  JMajftanelk  the  Neapolitan,  that  during  his  Re- 
gency, fome  poor  Man  that  had  received  certain 
valuable  temporal  Prefents,  was  fo  tranfported  there- 
with, that  he  cry\i  out  frequently  in  the  open  Street, 
before  a  great  Concourfe  of  People,  ait  this  is  rninep 
ail  this  is  mine.  And  when  fome  Body  prefent  dcfi- 
red  him  to  be  (till,  telling  him  that  fuch  behaviour 
was  unfeemlyj  he  reply 'd,  rfhat  he  needn't  wonder  that 
he  cry'd  out  fo-,  but  rather  that  he  didn't  take  up  Irenes  and 
throw    at  him      He   was   fo  mad   for   Joy. 

It  Jrchimede's  when  he  had  found  out  fome  Ma- 
thematical Demonit ration^  wasfo  tranfported  with  it, 
that  he  ,Cr|'d  outj  Eurecaj  Eurtca,  J  have  found,  I  have 
found.  Is  it  ftrange  that  fome  of  fofier  and  ftronger 
Paflions,  who  af  er  a  view  of  their  forlorn  State,  upon 
finding  the  Peart  of  great  Price,  Ihould  be  To  tranfpor- 
ted wi:h  aSenfe  ofGod's  imerited  and  immenfeGood- 
nefs,  as  that  they  coud'nE  refran  crying  out  wicla 
the  Spoufc  in  the  Song  of  Songs.  I  have  found  him 
whom  my   Soul   loveth. 

I  have  heard  of  One  who  was  condemn'd  to  be 
hang'd  for  fome  notorious  Crime,  in  confequence 
•f  which  after  Imprifonment,  he  was  carried  to  the. 
Gallows  ;  but  behold  a  Pardon  being  brought  to 
him,  while  he  was  within  view  bf  the  awful  Inftru- 
ment  of  Execution,  overcame  him  with  fuch  an 
coeeft  of  joy,  as  made  him  expire  in  Death* 
P  What. 


1 14        The    Examiner  Examined. 
What   I  have  faid  elfewhere   concerning  the   Souls 
near  union  to  the  Body,  and    its  consequent  Influ- 
ence upon  it,  is  applicable  here. 

And  now  before  I  proreed  farther,  I  muft  juft 
obferve,  that  the  Examiner  has  wrong'd  me  in  the 
Application  aforefaid,  by  insinuating  that  I  fpoke 
againft  fuddain  Ccnverjions,  or  joyous  Raptures  altogether, 
whereas  I  only  fpoke  againft  fuch,  as  had  not  fuita- 
ble  Antecedents,  Concommitants  and  Effects,  as  was 
before   obferv'd. 

He  has  like  wife  offended  againft  the  Generation 
of  God's  Children,  by  condemning  all  of  them 
that  have  been  converted  fuddain  ly.  Let  the  Exami- 
ner ferioufly  confider  the  following  Place  of  Scrip- 
ture, Matt.  iS.  6.  He  that  offends  one  of  thofe  little 
ones  who  believe  in  me,  it  were  better  for  him  that  a  Mill- 
flone  was  hung  about  his  Keck  and  he  cafi  into  the  midji 
of  the  Sea. 

Our  Author  in  his  next  Paragraph  mentions 
"what  I  fay  p.  66.  of  my  Moravian  Sermon.-—"  Thus 
u  do  any  efteerrt  this  new  upftart  Moravian  Seel:, 
"  becaufe  they  fay  they  have  Communion  with 
"  God,  and  in  Confequence  hereof  Joy  and  Sweet- 
*«  nefs.  I  anfwer  when  we  confider  the  jlntinomiarz 
"  Principles  they  hold  concerning  Faith  and  Jujti* 
<c  f cation,  as  well  as  the  proud  Effects  of  their  pre- 
li  tended  Good  Frames,  and  that  under  a  Mask  of 
*«  Humility,  8cc.  we  have  good  Reafori  to  fufpecY 
**  their  Communion  to  be  but  a  Delufion  of  the  yrand 
"  Enemy,  and  their  Joys  to  be  the  Joys  of  Time 
"  Believers,  and  ftony  Ground  Hearers.  True 
4<  Communion  wirh  God  doth  certainly  humble  the 
"  Soul,  Jtb  42.  5.  6.  It's  no  new  Thiug  for  Jntim- 
*l  mians  and  Ent^uftMfls,  to  talk  of  Joys  and  Comforts 
"  but  they  are  a  falfe  cure  to  all  Soul  Troubles." 

In  the  oppofite  Collumn  he  mentions  the  follow- 
in  a  Words  of  his  own,  viz..  **  every  reader  of 
"common  Obfervation,  will  find  the  Tranfuion 
<•<  Very  ealv,  from  the  Moravians  to  many  of  the 
r*  Converts  now  a  Days,    who  talk  boldly  of  their 

"  high 


1 1 5      The  Examiner,   Examined. 
44  Joys  and  full  AiTurances,    under   a  ma^k  of  Hu- 
"   milky,   and  at  the  fame  Time  u-ujling  in  themfelves» 
J*  that  they  are  Righteous  and  dafp'fing  others. 

*'  Let  them  not  be  high  minded  but,  fear ,  leaft  their 
*<  Communion  be  but  a  JJeluiioi,  and  t.jeir  Joys 
I*    the  Joys  of  (tony     Ground    Hearers." 

By  comparing  thofe  Paragraphs,  eveiy  Eye  may 
fee  the  Examiners  Partiality,  in  applying  what  I 
Jiave  faid  concerning  /die  Joys  of  the  Marxians, 
to  many  of  the  late  Converts,  tor  in  his  Companion, 
he  omits  one  of  the  principle  Reafons  of  my  fuf- 
pc&ing  the  Moravian  (]vys,  namely  their  Jntimmian 
Principles,  concerning  Faith  and  yujlijication,  he  in- 
deed mentions  proud  Effects,  Basely  tntftn?.  m  them- 
fefoes  and  defpijing  otlers,  and  if  the  Cafe  be  truly  and 
habitually  fo  with  any,  it  is  an  awful  fi^n  of  De- 
lusion. 

But  perhaps  our  Author,  has  term'd  a  reafona- 
ble  lejoycing  in  the  Aflurance  of  God's  Love,  a 
rnodeft  and  feafonable  difcourfing  thereof  to  o:hers, 
together  with  a  faithful  Endeavour  to  de:c&  and 
awaken  fecure  Hypocrits,  and  dry  Formalins,  a  talk- 
ing boldly  of  their  high  Joys,  and  trufiing  in  themftfaes 
and  defpijing  of  ethers,  becaufe  of  his  itrong  Prejudice 
and  repeated  Partiality.  In  the  mean  Time  I  woudn'c 
be  underftood  to  fignify,  as  if  I  believ'd  that  all 
whorecond  themfelvesCon  verted,  or  wereefteem'd  fo 
by  others,  during  the  late  revival  of  Religion  were 
really  fo  ;  No  not  at , all,  neither  is  this  any  difpa- 
ragement  to  the  Work  of  God.  For  thus  it  was 
in  the  Apoftolick  Times. 

But  to  conclude,  what  I  wou'd  cfter  upon  this 
Head  of  Conversion  and  Experience,  I  muft  obferve 
that  the  Examiner  is  moft  unjutt  in  aliening  in 
the  litle  thereof,  that  I  and  thofe  whom  he  catfs 
rny  Party,  propogate  fuch  a  manner  of '  Converfivn 
and  after  Experience,  as  he  relates  in  the  oppolice 
Collumn  to  my  Words.  I  challenge  him  to  prove 
his  falfe  and  cruel  Charge,  wherein  have  I  or  any 
that  join  with  me  prorogated  a  Converfton  confuting 
t  2  in 


1 1 6     The  Examiner    E  x  a  m  i  n  f.  c 

in  Imagination  or  Satanical  Delufion,  or  ilich  an  Eafie 
State  after  Converiion,  as  is  -uithout  fear,  without 
Complaints  y  or  a  Auflmm  Faith,  falfe  Jqj>  fpiriiuat 
l'ride>  and  /g/f  Confidence.  Thefe  very  Sermons  which 
the  Exsmurm  labours  to  caft  dirt  upon,  (consequen- 
tially) evidence  the  Contrary,  as  well  as  all  the  Ser- 
mons I  have  publifn'd  to  the  World,  particularly 
that  Book  entitled  the  Prefumer  detected,  which  was 
directly  calculated  to  unhinge  delufvue  Hopes  and  Joys, 
Neither  is  there  one  of  my  Reverend  Brethren  that 
can  bejuftly  charg'd  wich  thofe  Things,  fome  of 
them  have  prov'xl  the  Contrary  by  their  printed 
Difcourfcs,  and  all  that  know  the  reft,  know  the 
Charges  againft  them  to  be  falfe.  What  it  fome  be 
deceived  under  our  Preaching,  feeing  that  the  Doc- 
trines we  preach  and  our  diftincl;  manneF  of  handling 
them,  has  no  Tendency  that  Way,  but  the  very 
contrary;  our  Author  can  no  morejuuiy  charge 
us  herewith  then  the  Apofties,  with  all  thtprefump<- 
tuous  Hops  of  their  Hearers.  Why*  does  our  Au- 
thor unjulUy  charge  upon  us,  the  Crimes  of.  the 
Devil  and  the  ungodly y  who  are  under  his  Influence, 
while  we  deteft  them  in  our  Hearts,  and  endea- 
vour to  detect  and  oppofe  them  by,  our  Speech  and 
Practice. 

And  now  we  are  prepar'd  to  confider  another 
part  of  the  Examiners  Performance,  which  he  entitles 
thus,  Mr,  T's  Refietiions  on  the  Spirit  of  the  Moravians, 
comparca  <with  his  ozin  Spirit  and  of  his  Adherents. 

The  Paiiages  of  mine  which  be  cites,  are  Jp~ 
fenclix,  Moravian  Sermon,  p.  104.  the  Words  are  thele, 
<*  Are  not  the  Moravians,  many  of  them,  uncharitable 
41  and  dh'ijk/e  in  their  Speech  and  Practice,  and  that 
«  under  a  pretext  of  Charity  and  Catholicism.  Witnefs 
**  Mr. Spanginberg's  comparing  the  Fro- 
M  tefiant   Churches  to  a  Babel,  &c. 

««  Witnefs  their  not  being  willing  to  join  with  a- 

♦*  ay  Protectant  Body  of  Men,   and   yet   their  re- 

;f<  ceiving.Perfons  of  divers  Societys  to  their  Fellow- 

«  fhip,  wkh  little  Examination  into  their  Principles," 

i  Or 


/ 

The  Examiner,  Examined.       117 

On  the  oppofite  Collumn  to  what  has  been  men- 
tioned, he  fpeaks  thus  <<  And  arc  not  Mr.  #  and 
*«  many  of  his  zealous  Adrocates  juft  like  them? 
«  Witnefs  his  Sermon  at  hcttingham^  which  is  as  full 
M  of  nnd-av'iUbk  and  di<vJjke  Principles  and  Speeches, 
M  as  a  Crows  Egg  is  full  of  Meat." 

"  Witnefs  alio  Mr.  (I.  and  many  of  our  late 
«*  Zealots,  Minilters  and  others,  who  have  been 
*l  ready  tocenfure  and  feparare  horn  all  that  diiier'd 
<<  in  Sentiment  from  them,  but  at  the  fame  Time 
<s  receiving  into  their  Feilowmip,  and  with  Charity 
"~  eno',  every  one  that  prerended  to  be  pf  their 
M  W;sy,  pronouncing  them  true  Converts  upon  little 
M  Examination,  and  proof  or  a  Work  of  Grace  in 
M  them." 

Here  let  the  reader  note,  that  what  the  Examiner 
objects,  refpecting  (pretended)  uncharitablemfs  and 
faiding  Principles  in  the  Jsotingham  Sermon,  has  been 
before  largely  confidered,  and  therefore  I  mall  nqt 
now  re  fume  what  has  been  laid.  But  fuppofing  I  had 
been  under  fomemiftakes  in  that  Sermon,  I  fee  no 
Juftice  in  his  charging  them  upon  my  Brethren ? 
except  he  proves  their  Con  fen  t  thereto  which  he 
has   not     fo    much    as  attempted. 

But  in  Anfwer  to  his  next  Charge  againft  me, 
namely  a  readings  to  cenfure  and  feparate,  from  all  thai 
differed  jrom  me  in  8entime?it.  I  fhail  mention  a  Pa- 
ragraph of  our  Apology  ofrer'd  to  the  Consideration 
of  the  Synod,  fome  Coniic'erable  Time  before  the 
Kupture  happened,  v.  hich  runs  thus.  4<  To  conclude 
"  we  profefs  a  hearty  Charity  for  thofe  Gentlemen 
*'  who  are  on  the  other  Side  of  the  Queftion  in  this 
"  Debate,  doubtiefs  Things  appear  totheminano- 
"  ther  Light,  we  have  only  in  the  Courfe  of  oilr 
"  Ileafonings,  lahourd  to  expofe  the  Abfurdity  of 
"  an  Opinion  which  we  think  prejudicial  to  the 
«'  Interetis  of  the  Saviours  Kingdom,  andifweare 
*<  herein  miftaken,we  are  willing  to  be  convinced 
f*  by  Scripture  and  Reafbn.  But  whether  we  get 
*♦  Conviction  or  not  by  our  Brethrens  Arguments 

"  we 


1  1 8       The  E  X  A  M   I   N  E   R  ,  E  X  A  M   I    N  E  » . 

*s  we  believe  that  the  Unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Bond  of 
tf  Peace  may  be  prefcrved,  not  wiihftanding  a  di- 
«  verfny  of  Sentiment  in  lelltr  Things,  it"  mode- 
f*  rate  Councils  be  followed,  and  that  mutual  for- 
«  bearance  be  ^  allowed,  which  the  Gofpel  of 
w  CHRIST  requires."  See  remarks  upon  a  Protsfi- 
tation,  fag.  68.  The  aforefaid  Apology  was  fign'd 
by  divers  Minifteis  of  our  K umber.  Tne  lame 
Thing  in  -Subftance  I  have  likewife  expreiVd 
in  the  19  p.  of  the  Remarks  aforefaid,  thus:  But 
"  tho'  we  did  Prote It  acinic  what  we  apprehended 
i\  (after  deliberate  enquirvs)  :o  be  wrong  in  our 
<<  Brethrens  Conduct,  a  practice  not  unufual  in  ju- 
il  dicatorys  of  our  Denominator,  yet  ue  were 
«■  far  from  carrying  blatters  to  the  piefent  Crifis, 
f?  which  our  Breihcren  have  done  by  their  Pro- 
«<  teft,  namely,  to  exclude  our  diflenting  Brethren, 
**  from  Communion  upon  that  Account."  And  p. 
9.  are  thefe  Words. 

*<  The  Truth  is,  tho'  we  differed  in  Sentiments 
"  from  our  Brethren,  in  refpect  of  fome  Acts  or 
**  Cannons  they  had  made,  yet  v/e  defigned  no  Se- 
"  paration  from  them  upon  that  Account,  we  tho'c 
"  that  mutual  Forbearance  would  be  the  beft  Expe- 
"  dient  in  the  Cafe  afbrefaid.  As  we  defired  liber- 
«<  tyof  acting  according  to  our  Confciences,  in  the 
'«  controverted  Affair,  fo  we  were  far  from  a  defire 
«*  of  impofingour  Judgment  upon  our  Brethren, 
«'  or  imagining  that  there  was  a  neceihry  of  Scpara- 
4<  tion,  upon  the  Account  of  the  a/orefaid  diver fity 
<<  of  Sentiment." 

Now  what  regard  can  it  be  refonably  fuppos'd  the 
Examiner  has  either  to  Truth  or  Charity ,  w  hen  he  afTerts 
an  abfolute  Falfehcod,  while  he  had  our  folemn 
publick  mutual  Declaration  in  his  Hands  to  convince 
him  thereof. 

And  here  let  me  farthey  obferve,  that  in  Pur- 
suance of  theaforefaid  Declaration,  we  kept  Syno- 
dical  Communion  with  them,  until  they  after  anil- 
legal,  unprefidemed  and  unjuft  Manner,    violently 

and 


The  Examiner  Examined.  119 
and  abruptly  broke  communion  with  us  by  a  Proteit 
without  allowing  us  Liberty  to  fpcak  in  our  own 
Defence,  before  the  Proceft  was  figned,  tho'  it  was 
again  and  again  defirec1.  See  now  Mr.  Examiner  your 
partiality  in  favouring  fuch  Sdifmatkks,  and  in  con- 
demning the  Innocent  with  their  Crimes,  and  be  an 
laft    aihameG  of  your  unaccountable  Conduct. 

If  fomc  who  have  favour'd  the  late  Reformation  in 
Keiv- England ',  have  been  tingM  wi:h  a  feparating 
Spirit,  or  Difpofkion  to  abandon  abruptly  the  Mi- 
niftry  of  any  that  were  found  in  Principle,  biamelefs 
in  Practice,  and  favourers  of  God's  Woik,  as  it  has 
been  reported,  it  deferves  Cenfure,  and  calls  aloud 
for  Lamentation  ' 

But  why  do  you  Sir  impute  their  Faults  to  nae  ? 
when  you  know  in  your  Conference,  that  I  have  op- 
pos'd  fuch  Separations  there,  as  appears  by  [he  Ser- 
mons which  you  fo  much  contemn,  (as  aforcfaid) 
and  my  Letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  and  the  other  which  was  wrote 
to  explain  it  more  fully  (which  you  Cenfure)  Pray 
Sir  confider  whether  you  are  not  very  incontinent 
with  yourfelf  in  this  Point,  inafmuch  as  while  you 
Cenfure  me,  without  Foundation,  as  being  of  a 
diiifke  Spirit^  you  try  by  many  Methods  to  call  dif- 
honour  upon  my  Effays  againft  it,  and  favour  thofe 
that  are  guilty  of  it  \ 

As  to  what  you  fay  in  the  latter  Part  of  your  Pa- 
ragraph, of  my  receiving  into  Fellczifiip,  with  Charity 
tneugh,  etery  cne  tint  pretend  to  be  of  cur  Kay,  pronoun- 
cing them  true  Converts  upon  tittle  Examination  and  Proof 
cf   a  J  fork  of  Grace  in   them. 

I  would  obferve  that  you  Contradict  yourfelf  in 
two  particulars,  \jl  In  blaming  me  for  exceffive 
Charity  ;  when  in  divers  other  Places  in  your  Per- 
formance, you  Blame  m^for  the  Contrary,  Seep.  13. 
And  2d.  In  Blaming  me  for  Examining  too  little 
concerning  a  Work  of  Grace  in  Perfons;  while  yon 
Blame  me  elfewhere,  tjfei.  pag  17.  for  attempting  to 
do  any  fuch  Thing   at   all ;  your  Words   axe,  tVhe 

made 


The  Examiner,    Examined.         ilgj 

tnade  thee  a  Judge  of  Mens  inward  Experience  and  fecrei 
State.  After  which  you  adopt  the  gfuerifts  Words, 
who  compare  it  to  the  Spanijl)  Jnc/uifitwn-----  But  per- 
haps you  will  fay  in  Anfwcr  to  the  firfi:  Particular, 
that  ic  was  only  a  Party  Charity  you  faulted  me  for* 
and  charg'd  me  with.  To  which  I  reply,  that  the 
Accufation  ir  falie.  My  Soul  abhors  the  fordid 
Meaneflefs  and  contracted  Views  of  Biggotry  and  Party 
Zeal!  I  have  a  Witfteis  in  Heaven  and  many  upon 
Eai  thj  that  my  chief  Defire  and  Labours  have  been 
(fmce  Almighty  God  has  of  his  free  Mercy  given 
me  the  laving  Knowledge  of  himfclf )  to  promote 
vital  Religion-,  and  not  any  Party  whatfoever.  And  I 
have  likewife  great  Reafon  to  believe  that  this  is  the 
Temper  and  Difpofition  of  all  the  Minifters  that 
join  with  me. in  thefe  Parts.  There  is  one  indeed, 
who  is  I  hope  a  pious  Man,  Mr.  Alexander 
Craighead,  by  Name,  who  was  formerly 
in  a  State  of  Union  with  us*  but  having  more  Zeal 
and  Pofitivenefs  than  Knowledge  and  Judgment^ 
has  Schematically  broken  Communion  with  us,  and 
adopt'd  the  rigid  Carr.eronian  Scheme.  He  is  indeed 
tinged  with  an  uncharitable  and  party  Spirit,  to  the 
prejudice  of  real  Religion  in  fome  Places  this  Way. 
.May  the  Almighty  forgive  him  and  rectify  his  Judg- 
ment. His  late  and  prefent  cenforious  Temper  and 
divifive  Conduct,    we  utterly  deteft  and  difclaim. 

I  think  the  Rev.  Mr.  WHI7EFIEI,D's  Ob Nation* 
in  one  of  his  Letters  concerning  the  CovenantingScheme  % 
is  very  juft  and  true,  viz.  'That  it  is  tuo  narrow  a  Foun- 
dation to  build  any  great  Super fruBure  upon.  And  on  the 
contrary  I  cannot  but  highly  approve  of  the  catholick, 
generous  and  noble  Sentiments  of  the  very  Rev.  Dr. 
Sates  and  Mr. Ho  w,  who  obferve  a  juft  Me- 
dium between  two  dangerous  Extremes  of  a  rigorous 
Severity  upon  the  one  Hand,  and  a  perilous  Laxnefs  on 
the  other. 

And  I  am  likewife  far  from  approving  of  divers 
Particulars  which  are  Charged  upon  Mr.  Daven- 
.£0  R  t's  Conduct  ;  one  of  which  is,  as  th»  Re- 
port 


The  Examiner,   EjakiKu)      121 

Ct,f;?eS,QT,'atrafter.he  has  examined  Miniliersa- 
bout  the  State  of  their  Souk,  he  has  Fublickly  in 

£t  °Pc-n  ^"I^S^'on  declared  his  Opinion  concern. 

til  h  dStZe>  fL1  exll0rted  th*  Hearers  to 
leave    them       My  Abhorrence   of    this  Practice  I 

,T^?rtd  la  *  Letter  »  Mr.  D .  c  ,  1  n  ,  o  h , 
ReaHer  AC?!Ta1e  Pub'ick'  W  ">>ich  I  refer  the 
valuable  Books  at  M»  LorAn  in  GmeS,cut,h  like- 
*ife  exceeding  Scandalous  and  Ridiculous,   and  de- 

^He,V°rbe  dC:cfted  **  a"  Ma»kind(bat  I  am 
n         'tc"™.  upon  a  certain  Foundation,  Z 

dec™Iv,e,.nUfibMIC,C'/batMf  •?«««*•*  appears  to  be 

Affc)  CnmWal    C°"d"ft    in    thac 

C  r\  I'  3? that  Mru  D  r  E  K  *  °  R  *    and    Mr. 

h,lV      "?'    by   thelr   ^prudent    Conduct, 

',    r    "^^y  «o  the  creating  and  fomenting 

i  much  t^be"  1rVeralPartSa°f  th's  Country,  whul 
is   much  to  be   lamented :    And    while  I  am   con- 

roT  Hby  theAR/Sard  I  have  to  the  Honour  of 
?eftimonvnter-ft^hisKi^dom*  t0  bear  a  publick 
Min  ftcr/hlfmft  thC  e!tcePtio»aWe  Conduft  ot thefe 
oecku \t  T  mentTed>    »  the  mcan  Time   I 

believe  rhaf-ailnOVbU,t-I.0Ve  their  Perf°n*.  and 
believe  that  in  the  fimplicity  of  their  Hearts  thev 
havegoneaftray.  I  HkeWeVkhowledge  $o  th£ 
fon?o  WiG0d*  t°VlreiSn  Grace-   *«  I  have  W 

of  hem  £  eXprCfly  ^°S*d  the  Milcondua  of  one 
ot  them,  ,n  my  prmted  &rnions  and  Letterj 

borrowMfrl  ^  the  ■**«  memloM,  is 
i?Z<  !       £P  °K?y  Mm«*a*  S«™>n.  "Well 

«  FruLof^^'    "P"?  ^  difterent  are  thc 
fruits  of  theu  coming  into  the  Country  from  the 

<i  "  llevereiMt 


ill  ThcExAMiNER,  Examined. 
«  Reverend  Mr.  WHITEFIELD's  ?  His  plain  and' 
"  pungent  Preaching  the  Truths  of  the  Reforma- 
«♦  tion,  united  generally  the  Hearts  of  good  Meii 
««  thro'  the  Land.  But  the  Alnravians  wherever  they 
11  have  any  Influence  divide  the  People  of  God, 
"  and  fet  them  a  jangling.  See  p.  23.  iq. 

In  the  oppofite  Coflumn  to  which,  the  Examiner 
mentions  thefe  Words  of  his  own,  namely,  "  Has 
"  not  the  coming  of  the  Rev.  Meflirs.  V/.  and  CI. 
«  and  their  SuccefTorSj  into  thefe  Provinces  divided 
**  the  People  of  God,  and  Jet  them  a  Jangling,  as  much 
«  as  the  Preregrination  of  the  Mt'avians  in  Pcnnfyl-* 
«  vania  has  done  there  ? 

«  Bat  it  feems- Mr.  ■£*.  hath  felt  the  had  Effe&s 
"  of  their  uncharitable wtrifjtve  Spirit  near  home,  which 
«  makes  him  complain  and  flinch  a5  much  as  his 
«  Neighbours,  who  felt  the  Weight  of  his  rough 
**  Hands  and  heavy  Fifts." 

Jnfiu.  The  Examinees  Application  of  the  afore- 
faid  Mance  to  Mr.  IVHBEFJELD  and  me,  is  un- 
iuft  and  untrue  which  many  Thoufands  in  N.England 
can  witnefs :  When  Mr.  IVH1VEFIELD  and  I  lefc 
N. England  there  was  no  fuch  divijtons  and  janglings 
as  have  fince  happened,  but  on  the  contrary  Unify 
and  Love  feem'd  generally  to  obtain  among  the 
People  of  God. 

Here  obferve  the  Sophiftic'al  low  Art  of  onr  Au- 
thor, in-  joining  Mr.  IVHFIEFIELD  and  me,  with 
thofe  whom  he  calls  our  SucceiTors  in  their  Pro- 
vinces, that  fo  he  might  charge  upon  us  the  impru- 
dent  Condncl:  of  fome   of  them  ;  which  we   deter?. 

As  to  what  the  Examine*  adds,  refpecting  il  my 
«  feeling  the  bad  Effects  of  the  Moravian  unchari- 
«  table  and  intrunVe  Spirit  near  home,  and  that 
«  that  made  me  complain  and    flinch. 

I  anfvrer  thu-t  tho' I  have  feen  bad  Effects  thereof 
upon  fome;  yet  thro'  Mercy  I  have  no  Reafon  to 
finch  and  complain,  becaafe"  of  any  bad  Effects  of  k 
«pori  the    Society  which  I  am  related  to.    For  not 


The  Examiner  Examined.  125 
joneof  them  has  been  carry'd  away  with  the  Delati- 
on  entirely  that  I  know  of. 

I  am  thro*  Grace  conciousto  my  felf,  what  ever 
jour  Author  has  uncharitably  and  ungeneroufly  in- 
sinuated to  the  Contrary,  that  no  private  view  has 
influenced  my  Zeal  againft  the  Moravians,-  but  3. 
Sincere  regard  to  the  Truths  and  Power  of  Reli- 
gion, which  they  are  oppofing  and  undermining; 
neither  have  any  of  my  Neighbours  juft  caufe  of 
complaining  of  my  rough  hands  and  heavy  Ftps,  (as  you 
are  pleas'd  with  much  Complaifauce  to  toord  the 
Matter)  in  refpetf.  of  Uncbaritahlenefs  and  Ihtruficn.,  as 
is  fuggefted.  I  have  not  preach 'd  in  any  or  their 
Places  without  Invitation,  or  condemned  any  of 
them  without  Caufe. 

The  Examiner  next  cites  my  Words  from  Mora- 
vian Sermon  p.  6".  which  are  thefe,  "  Do  any  efteem 
44  the  Moravians  becaufe  they  travel  and  take  great 
44  Pains.  I  anfwer  did  not  the  Pharifees  of  old 
44  compafs  Sea  and 'Land  to  make  pr6felytes  and  do 
«4  not  Jefuits  and  many  other  Enthujiajts  travel  Mill. 
44  But  what  good  do  the  Moravians  do  by  their  tra- 
M  veling  unlefs  it  be  good  to  fity  1ares}  to  corrupt 
H  and    divide  religious    People. 

In  the  oppofite  Column,  Ve  have  the  following 
words  of  the  Examiner.  H  Exactly  true  ;  and  pray, 
44  what  good  do  the  Itinerants  do  by  their  traveling, 
44  unlefs  it  be  good  to  fevu  Vares,  to  corrupt  and 
4<  divide  religious  People  1  After  the  aiorelaid 
Words  our  Author  refers  by  an  JJierifm  ■  to 
a  Charge  of  our  Opponents  this  Way,  in  their  Ex- 
amination, p.  81.  refpe&ing  the  pretended  dividing 
Principles  and  Practices  of  Itinerants  ^but  in  afmucrV 
as  nothing  is  offered  to-fupport  the  Charge  but  their 
Affirmation,  I  fee  no  need  of  any  farther  reply 
at  prefent,  then  what  has  been  before  given  to  the 
like  intheie  Sheets. 

But  I  cannot  pafs  over  in  Silence,  our  Authors 
Judgment  concerning  the  Succefs  of  Itinerants,  name- 
ly, that  itismih'mg  but  {wing  Varcj)  emitting  ^nd 


124  The  Examiner,  Examinm 
dividing  religious  People  ',  as  is  this  as  an  uncharitable  and 
falfe  Charge,  fo  it  argues  our  Examiner,  to  be  in- 
con  fiftent  with  himfelf,  for  he  has  elfe  where  acr 
knowledged  the  Contrary,  (Seep.  9.  21.  50.)  as  has 
been    obferv'd    before. 

The  Examiner  in  his  2.4.  p  proceeds  to  cite  from 
my  A/$ravian  Sermon,  p.  104.  the  following  \Yords, 
*'  Do  not  thofe  Things  together  with  their  fend- 
"  ing  their  ignorant  Miflionaries,  to  gather  feparate 
**  Society s  in  Places,  where  there  is  a  found  Mini- 
«  ftry,  fignify  that  their  Defign  is  not  Catholick, 
<«  whatever  their  pretences  be  notwithstanding?"  A- 
gain  he  borrows  from  Moravian  Sermon  p.  54.  thefc 
Words  M  Whatever  good  Appearances  thrulting 
4t  out  ignorant  Perfons  {how pious  foever)  into  the 
**  Miniftry  may  have,  yet  it  is  a  dangerous  Practice, 
«•  tending  directly  to  divide  and  corrupt  the  Church 
«'  of  God,  and  bring  the  Miniftry  thereof  into  con- 
"  tempt/' 

In  the  oppofite  Collumn  he  fays  thus.  M  Who 
«  but  the  Brunfwick  Party  thruft  out  Mt.  Rowland 
<*  into  the  Miniftry,  in  Contempt  of  the  Synod,  after 
«<  it  was  confefs'd  on  all  Sides  he  was  very  defici- 
«  ent  in  many  Parts  of  ufeful  Learning,  tho? 
«  educated  at  the  Log-Houfe  1  Who  but  Party-Zealots 
«  have  ordained  Evangelifts  and  fent  them  forth  to 
«<  gather  Society s  in  Places  where  there  is  a  found 
««  AJiniJlry,  inftead  offending  them  into  ungofpelried 
«  Parts  r*  In  this  Paragraph  our  Author  refers  by 
an  ^tfterifm  ;  to  a  Charge  of  our  Opponents  in  their 
Kxamination  p.  69.  which  runs  thus.  "  Upon  the 
<*  fame  Lay  that  they  ordained  this  One,  they  might 
««  ordain  one  Hundred,  if  Opportunity  offered  $ 
<<  And  was  not  this  One  very  deficient  in  many 
<<  Parts  of  ufeful  Learning  required  by  onr  Di- 
11  rectory  ?  And  was  not  this  One  immediately 
*•  thurft  into  the  Bounds  of  a  neighbouring  Pres- 
«<  bytery,  without  their  Concurrence ;  and  con- 
«<  tinued  there,  in  Opposition  to  and  contempt  of 
<«  their  Determination,  to    the  occasioning  of  21 

««  &eacfe 


The  Ex  a  m  i  n-c  R,  Ex  a  m  i  n  e  d.      125 

♦4  Breach  and  much  Confufion  in  a  Congregation  in 
«<  their  Bounds?  And  what  hath  his  Pra&ice  to 
**  this  Day  been,  but  a  continued  Courfe  of  intru- 
««  five  Diforders  ?  Befides  that  his  Character  has 
"  been  under  a  very  dull  Cloud,  as  to  Immo- 
'*  raliry,  Sec. 

"  Who  but  Party  Zeakts  have  admitted  into  their 

**  Pulpits  fuch  Novices  as  D h  E—-—s>  S—-1 

**  ^--h-v,  L--y-r  P—ne,  &c.  tending  to  bring 
•*  the  facred  MrAJiry  into  Cbtiterrtft,  and  divide  and  cor- 
w  y»^/  ffo  Church  of  Godl 

I  anfwer  the  Examiners  Charge  in  the  Negative. 
We  have  fent  no  Ignorant  A>iJpnories  to  gather  Jeparate 
Societies,  where  there  Was  a  found  Mini  fry.  The  Cafe  is 
truly  thus  all  that  We  have  Licensed  or  Ordain  d  for 
the  Holy  Aifyjlry,  were  furninVd  with  a  competent 
Meafure  of  human  Learning,  agreeable  to  our  Di- 
rectory. Indeed  we  have  not  ordain'd  every  one  to 
afix'd  Charge  for  this  Reafon,  becaufe  the  Congre- 
gations ihat  depend  upon  us  for  Supplies,  are  fo  nu- 
merous, and  our  Number  of  Candidate's  To  fmall,  that 
we  cannot  fupply  them  all  at  prefent,  with  a  fettled 
Miniftry,  as  we  defire  and  intend  (God  willing)  The 
People,  in  the  mean  time,  urge  us  with  almoft  in- 
ceffant  Importunities  for  fo,me  Supplies,  in  refpe&  of 
Preaching,  and  likewife  want  to  huve  Baptifm  ad- 
minifrred  to  their  Children;  and  if  mould  like- 
wife  be  obferv'd,  that  thofe  Congregations  are,  many 
of  them,  far  diftant  from  each  other.  Now  we  knew 
of  no  better  Method  to  remedy  the  prelent  diftref-: 
ling  Exigence^  than  that  of  Ordaining  fome  ad  mi- 

niflerium  vagumt or   to  preach    about   in   divers 

Places  for  a  while,  and  Baptize,  until  we  cou'd  get 
the  Places  fupply ed  with  a  fettled  Miniftry,  or  until, 
the  Perfonsfo  ordain'd  wou'd  themfelves  incline  to 
accept  of  a  fix'd  Charge,  which  Inclination  we  do 
not  check  or  Difcourage.  And  I  think  this  Practice 
of  ordaining,  as  aforefaid,  has  not  been  without 
Ptefidents  in  the  reformed  Churches. 

But 


I  z6       The  Examinbr,  Examined. 

But  the  Accufation  of  fending  any  into? laces  where  thive 
is  a  foundjhiniflryyto  gather  feperate  Societies ,  is  aCalumny. 
Some  of;our  Opponents  have  difcover'd  more  unfound- 
fiefs  in  their  Writings  of  Jate,  then  we  tho'c  for- 
merly they  had  been  tainted  with.  VVe  had  fomc 
Charges  againft  fome  of  their  Number,  which 
we  wanted  10  have  examined,  and  judicially  try'd, 
while  a  Union  fubfifted  between  us,  (and  without  a 
View  to  the  judicial  decision  of  which,  we  can  nei- 
ther come  into  a  State  of  Union  with  them,  or  con- 
tinue in  it)  which  we  have  not  broken.  But  after 
they  in  an  unjuft  Manner  bad  broken  it,  (as  before 
related)  and  by  their  Qupoiuion  to  GOD's  W  o  r  k 
and  Servants,  grieved  the  Hearty  of  his  People  and 
ailien.zted  their  Affections  from  them,  fo  that  they 
cou'd  not  Profit  under  their  Miujftry,  or  with  free- 
dom of  Cpnfcience  attend  upon  it,  leaft  they  mould 
encourage  them  in  their  evil  Courfe,  and  fo  be  par- 
takers in  their  Guilt,  and  be  liable  tp  the  penal 
iflues  of  it.  I  fay,  when  thofe  poor  opprefled 
People  again  and  again  Supplicated  us  for  Relief,  in 
the  mod  moving  and  pathetick  Strains  !  how  cou'd 
we  deny  them,  .-except  we  had  Bowels,  of  JSrals 
and  Adamant  1 

The  Examiners  Charge  in  relation  to  Mr.  Ro  w- 
1  a  N  d  is  unjuft.  Mr.  Ro  w  jl  a  n  d  was  neither 
Licens'd  or  Ordain'd  by  us,  in  Qntempt  of  the 
Synod,  but  in  compliance  with  the  Dilates  ot  our  own 
ConfcJences.  And  Wex  who  have  had  him  under  Ex- 
amination, did  and  do  look  upon  him  to  be  fuffi- 
ciently  Qualified  for  the  Gcfpel  Minifry,  both  in  re- 
Iped:  of  Learning  and  Gracious  Accompiifiments,  agree- 
able to  our  LireBovy. 

As  to  what  is  added,  of  his  leeng  thrujl  into  the. 
Bounds  of  a  Neighbouring  Presbytery ,  tvithut  their  Con- 
currence, and  coniinud  there  in  Opposition  to,  and  in  con- 
tempt of  thjeir  Determination. 

Anfw.  It  is  a  wrong  Reprefentation  of  the 
Matter;  he  was  Invited  by  a  Body  of  Religious  Peo- 
ple, who  confeientiouily  diflented  from  thofe  Ac~b, 

or 


i  i  7  The  Examiner,  Examined. 
or  Laws,  which  were  made  by  a  Majority  of  the 
kynod,  which  occafion'd  the  Debate  between  ut 
and  them,  and  he  himfelf  likewife  fcrupl'd  the  Laws 
afbrefaid.  In  conference  of  which  the  Majority 
of  the  Synod  had  publickly  warn'd  all  the  People  of 
their  Bounds  againit  Hearing  of  Mr.  Rowland* 
becaufe  he  had  been  licens'd  by  us,  notwiihftanding 
of  their   Cannon. 

The  People  declin'd  applying  to  that  Presbytery  in 
whofe  Bounds  they  were,  becaufe  of  the  Cafe  afore- 
faid,  and  other  Objections  they  had  againft  their 
Conduct ;  and  not  being  able  to  get  a  Miniiier  elfe- 
where,  they  importuned  Mr.  Ro  w  l  a  n  »  to  fup- 
ply  them,  with  which  he,  at  laft,  comply 'd,  not 
out  of  Contempt ,  but  Confcience  towards  God,  in  order 
to  relieve  a  pious,  oppos'd  .  and  opprefs'd  People  !  which, 
thro'  the  divine  bieffing,  was  to  all  appearance  a 
Mean  of  fating  Good  to  many  precious  Souls  .  there, 
in  their  Qn-viBion  and  Gnwrfon  to  God. 

As  to  what  they  fay  tar  .her  under  this  Head,  viz. 
ifhathts  Practice  hath  been  U  this  Day,  a  courfe  of  intru- 
jive   Difor tiers. 

I  anfwer  to  this  Charge  Ignoramus ,  we  want  Proof. 
To  what  has  been  faid,  they  add,  that  his  Character 
has  been  under  a  lery  dull  Qcud  as  td  immorality. 

Here  I  muft  beg  leave  to  obferve,  that  it  is  an  aw- 
ful fignin  our  Oppofers  to  endeavour  to  caft  Contempt 
upon  the  Character  of  oner  whofe  faithful  Labours 
for  God*  has  beeii  CroSvn'd  with  remarkable  and 
diftingijiln'd  SucceiTes,  and  to  join  withthe  Prophanc 
hi  Persecuting  of  him.  May  God  forgive  their  im- 
piety. But  let  them  know  to  their>  irume,  that  the 
dull  Cloud  iihich,  they  fay,  covered,  his  Character,  is 
now,  by  the  kind  Providence  of  God,  cleared  up, 
and  that  his  Inccencs  Jl;ines  as  tie  Lighti  aild  his  Judg- 
ment as  the  Keen-Lay  !  We  v,  ifh  with  all  our  Hearts, 
that  all  their  Candidates  were  Qualified  like  him,  in 
refpect  of  Grace  and  Learning,  and  that  they  them- 
felves,  tula  are  fo  uife  in  their  czl?i  Eyes,  underftood 
Divinity  as  well  as  him,  whom  they  delpife,  or  thac 

all 


ii8    The  ExAMiN.ik,ExA'MiNii. 

all  of  them  together  could  fhew  fo  much   Succcfs  of 

their  Labours. 

Who  the  Examiner  means  in  his  next  Paragraph 
thit  have,  as  he  fays,  admitted  Novices  into  their  Pulpits, 
I  know  not  ;  neither  do  I  know  the  Names  hs  in«- 
tends  by  thofe  letters  of  them  which  he  fets  down, 
and  therefore  I  cannot  anfwer  particularly  to  that 
Charge  ;  but  this  I  can  fay  in  general,  that  we  have 
been  as  careful  as  we  could,  to  keep  Novices  out  of 
cur  Pulpits ,  lea  ft  contempt  pould  thereby  come  on  the  Mini- 
stry, and  other  injuries  to  the  Ghruch  of  GOD. 

And  now  we  are  arriv'd  at  another  head  of  our 
Authors  Performance,  p.  i6.  entitled,^-.  T's  Refietti^ 
ens  on  the  Practice  of  the  Moravians  compar'd  'with 
lots   own  Practice  and  that  of  his    Adherents. 

The  firft  PafTage  he  cites  from  my  Writings,  is 
appendix,  p.  106.  which  is  this*  "  Do  not  fome 
«'  Moravians  flight  humanReafon  and  Learning?  &c. 
4%  p.  97  .Mr.  Spahginberg  declaimM  in  my 
«c  hearing,more  than  oncc,agairift  human  learning,^ 

In  the  oppofite  Collumn  to  which  he  fays  thus. 
«  Hath  not  Mr.  <T.  declaim'd  more  publickly,  and 
"  fiercely  aginft  Learning,  then  the  Moravians,  when 
«<  he  pronoune'd  his  Jnathema  againft  the  publick  Jca- 
«*  demys,  and  pour'd  contempt  upon  a  learned  Clergy  i 
<c  Calling  them  Letter  Learned.  &c. 

Jnfw.  I  have  neiter  declaim*d  publickly  nor  pri- 
vately againft  Learning,  but  in  favour  of  it.  Nor 
fronoune'd  any  Jnathema  againft  publick  Universities \ 
only  faid  that  they  are  generally  corrupt ;  I  meant 
in  refpeel:  of  religious  Principles  and  Practice* 
and  are  they  not  ?  Can  our  Author  fay  the  Con* 
trary  1  I  fpake  according  to  the  beft  Information  I 
had,  but  Ihould  be   glad  to  find  it  a  miftake. 

Befides  I  fpoke  of  private  School  to  be  erected, 
tfpecially  where  there  were  no  Publick  ones  ;  which 
tnanifefts  that  I  had  fome  regard  to  them. 

And  the  Method  I  propos'd  to  be  obferv'd  in 
trivate  Schools  refpecting  the  Examination  of  Intrants 
as  to  their  Piety,  is  different  from  what  is  obfervM 


The  Examiner,  Exaaiined.  J  2  j 
in  publicfk  ones ;  and  in  my  Opinion  is  of  noble 
Tendency  to  ferve  the  Church  of  God.  For  then 
there  wou'd  be  a  greater  Probability  of  the  Youths 
being  preferv'd  from  the  aforefaid  Corruptions,  as 
ivc^as.of  their  greater  advances  in  Religion  by  the 
help  of  mutual  Converfation,  about  experimental  Piety. 
How  inconiiftent  is  our  Authors  Charge  that  / 
fiould  declaim  againfl  Learning,  "while  in  the  mean 
Time  I  propofe  amd  incourage  Schools  for  that 
very  end  ;  and  more  fiercely  then  the  Moravians  too. 
O  Strange '  Well  I  fee  tho*  thcExaminer  has  no  Charity 
for  me,  or  my  exprefs  Declarations  ;  yet  he  has 
for  the  Moravians  without  any  in  their   favour. 

But  the  Examiner  adds,  that  /  pour  A  contempt  upon 
a  learned  Clergy,  calling   them  Letter  Learned,  Qpc. 

Jnf.  I  didn't  defign  in  the  Ufe  of  thofe   Words 
our  Author  mentions,  any  contempt  upon  the  learning 
ot   Minifters,  but  only  to  fignify  my  diflikeat  Per- 
fons  coming  into  the  Miniftry,  that  have  no  other 
Qualifications  but  human  Learning.     As   the  Words 
of  the  Sermon  to   which  he   refers,    confidered  in 
their   Connection  do   manifeft.    See  Notingham  Ser- 
mon, p.  I.  2.    The    Sentence  runs    thus:    "  Why, 
"  had  the  People  then   no  Teachers,  O  Yes,  they 
«*  had  heaps  ol  Pharifee  Teachers,  that  came  out,  no 
"  doubt,  after  they   had   been  the    ufual  Time  at 
«*  the  Feet  of  Gamaliel,  and  according  to  the  Acts. 
•«  Cannons    and  Traditions  of  the  Jewijb  Church." 
And  is  our  Author  offended  with  me  for  that,  wou'd 
he   have   me  to  encourage  gracelefs  Men  tho*  learned^ 
to  come  into  the  Miniftry  ?    Let    him  fpeak  out, 
that  we  may  hear  his  Mind  upon  this  important  Point. 
The  Examiner  s   next  Citation  is  from  AJoravian  Ser- 
mon, p.  10S.  the  Words  are  thefe.  "  I  think  it  looks 
u  exceeding  black  in  the   Moravians,  to   flight  fpe- 
M  culative  Knowledge,  fo  as  they  do,   which  they 
'«  call  Head-Knowledge.    Is  not  fpcculative  Know- 
"  ledge  the  fame  for   Subftance   with  what   is  fav- 
««  ing,   only    deftitute  of  its  Influence  upon  Heart: 
*l  and  Practice ?   Ibid.    Don't  the  Moravians  begi'i 
R  <<  vrich 


i^o      The  Examiner,  Examined. 

"   with  the   Affections    firft  '(    And    is  *  this   fair 

«  Dealing? 

In  the  oppofite  Column  to  which  the  Examine* 
fpeaks  thus,  viz,.  "  Why  then  do  we  hear  fo  much 
•*  of  the  fpiritual  and  myfticai  Senfe  of  Scripttre  1 
"  &c. 

"  Pray,  Has  not  this  been  the  conftam  Practice 
"  of  the  Itinerants  to  addrefs  and  move  the  Pafiions 
«  firft  ? 

•  "  Is  not  Mr.  %.  the  Primium  Mobile,  a  principal 
«<  Mover  and  Promoter  of  the  Paffionate-Religionj 
"  now  prevailing  among  fo  many  ?  Is  it  not  as  un- 
«  fair  Dealing  in  the  Itinerants  as  in  the  Moravians  ? 

Jnf.  Has  our  Author  heard  much  or  little  from, 
me,  of  the  fpiritual  and  myfticai  Senfe  ofScripture, 
if  fo  let  him  declare  it  in  his  next.  It  feems  by  this 
Paflage  that  the  Examiner  wou'd  reprefent  us,  as  a 
Tribe  of  yiliegorifts  and  enthufiajl/ck  My  flicks ;  but  we 
point  blank  deny  the  Charge,  and  demand  his  Proof. 
Our  Author,  as  appears  by  the  large  Blanks  in  his 
Columns,  feems  to  grow  faint  under  the  Weight  of 
his  task,  and  no  wonder  indeed.  Irs  pity  that  a  Gen- 
tleman of  his  genius  fhould  undertake  fuch  a  bad 
Caufe*  as  puts  him  unavoidably  to  fuch  difficulties 
for  the  want  of  proper  Materials.  But  I  proceed 
'to  his  Queftion,  in  anfvver  to  which  I  can  truly 
fay*  that  fo  far  as  I  know,  fuch  as  our  Author  terms 
JtineravtSy  their  Method  (in  general)  has  been  firft 
ro  inform  Mens  Judgments*  about  the  moft  impor- 
tant Points  of  Religion,  and  to  endeavour  to  ap- 
*:i  a  clofe  diftinguiihing  and  pathetical 
T  V.  si>»  to  the  Confciences  and  Affections  of  their 
b  as  to  have  a  Tendency  to  alarm  their  Fear 
and  incite  their  Love. 

I  I  o  v  hal  is  farther  added  againft  me  in  par- 
ticular, \\l.  *'  That  I  am  the  Primum  Mobile,  a 
principal  vuover  and  promoter  of  the  Paiiionate- Re- 
ligion, now  prevailing   among  fo  many. 

Jnftv.  Obferve  Reader,  the  Examiner  acknow- 
ledges than  an  affectionate  Religion,  now  prevails 

among 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  151 
among  many  ;  well  here  is  another  Teftimony 
from  his'own  Pen  in  favour  of  the  lare  Reformation. 
In  the  mean  Time  I  utterly  difdaim  what  he  af- 
cribes  to  me  in  thefe  Words,  Prirnum  Akbik  or 
firfi  m;ter.  This  is  an  honour  which  belongs  to  no 
mcer.Man.  lam  fully  perfwaded  upon  the  mo  ft 
certain  Foundation,  that  it  is  the  holy  Spirit  of  God, 
who  was  the  firfl  Mgo&t  of  what  he  cajls  the  ptffijjfcat* 
Religion ;  and  this  the  Effects  thereof,  inr  the 
Change  that  has  been  wrought  upon  the  Govern- 
ing Tempers  of  the  Minds  and  general  Courfe  of 
the  Lives  of  Multitudes,  do  inconteffibly  prove, 
to  all  that  are  not  blinded  with  unaccountable pre'- 
judice.  Can  it  with  any  fiiadow  of  Reafon  be  fup- 
pofed  that  Satan  wou'd  fo  far  fight  againft  his  own 
Intereft,  as  to  roufe  Multitudes  of  Sinners  out  of 
the  Sleep  offmful  Security,  and  exci.e  them  to  im- 
portunate Enquiries,  and  incei]ant  Importunities'  af- 
ter Salvation  by  Jesus  Chrjst  ?  Ana'thitlie 
would,  if  he  could,  change  mens  Minds  and  Practice^ 
as  before  obferv'd.  No  furely  !  by  the  fame  Method1*  • 
of  caviling,  by  which  feme  Labour  to  condemn 
the  late  revival  of  Religion  in  this  Land,  they 
may  condemn  that  Work  of  God  which  was  in 
the  Apoftolick  Age.—- 

But  if  our  Author  means  no  more,  than  that  I 
have  been  a  principal  Promoter  under  God,  of  the 
fajponate  Religion^  he  does  me  much  honour,  tho'  pro-t. 
bably  not  with  defign.  I  have  been  indeed  endea- 
vouring to  promote  a  Religion  which  includes  both 
Judgment^  PaJJion  and  PraBict  in  it.  And  bleTed 
be  God  he  has  given  Succefs  to  my  attempts.  Paf- 
fon  without  Knowledge  and  Judgment  in  Religion,  is 
certainly  but  vain  Fancy,  and  Knowledge  and  %ide- 
fnent  without  fome  degree  of  Paffion,  is  but  dead 
dry  Formality.  My  own  Confcicnce  and  multitudes 
of  Mankind  can  witnefs  for  me,  that  it  has  been 
always  my  endeavour  in  the  Courfe  of  my  Miniftry 
firft  to  inform  Mens  minds  before  I  addrefs'd  their 
Confciemes  and  Pafiiovs,  which    I  cannot  bat  think 

is 


The  Exa  MINSK,  Examined.  153, 
is  tlic  only  proper  Method  of  dealing  with  intel- 
ligent Creatures.  Certainly  Fajfon  is  of  no  farther 
ufe  in  Religion,  then  it  is  under  the  Guidance  of 
a  well  inform'd  Judgment,  but  thus  far  it  is  of  ex- 
cellent ufc.  It  is  abfur'd  to  fuppofe  that  God  has 
given  us  Pajpom  tobc  only  employ 'd  about  terrene 
trifles. 

Let  us  now  proceed  to  the  27  p.  where  our  Au- 
thor quotes  the  following  Words  from  my  Aloravian 
Sermon.  "  Do  they  not  endeavour  to  infinuat« 
41  themfelves  into  Peoples  Affections  firft,  by  Smiles 
41  &c.  And  in  p.  65.  Do  any  eftecm^he  Moravian 
**  Sect,  becaufe  they  fmile  generally  and  appear 
41  loving  ;  but  Brethren  is  not  this  Judas  like  to 
4(  betray  us  with  a  kifs ;  for  while  they  fhew  fuch 
41  Love,  they  draw  pious  People  into  Errors,  and  fo 
*«  fet  them  a  quarelling  with  one  another,  fhall  we 
"  fuflcr  them  to  fmile  us  out  of  our  Principles,,  then 
41  J'mfure  we  are  poorly  grounded  in  them. 

Ibid.  '«  Do  not  tney  take  fpecial  care  to  apply  to 
4t  young  Perfpns,  Females  and  Ignorant  people 
««  who  arc  full  of  Affection  ? 

f!  Who  dp  they  imitate  in  attacking  the  weaker 
4t  Part  of  Man,  viz.  the  Paflion.s,  and  the  weaker 
4i  Sex  firft,  but  the  Devil,  the  Father  of  Lies  and  Er- 
4t  rors  ?  Did  not  he  deal  thus  with  our  firft  Parents, 
4t  and  by  the  weaker  Sex   feduced  Jdam  1 

Upon  the  oppofitc  Column  we  have  thefe  Words 
©four  Examinery  vh.   "  Who  can    help   fmiljng  at 

*'  this,  that    considers  what  is  paft  and  now  is. 

f*  Strange  that  Mr.  <I.  ihould  complain  of  the  Mora- 
«'  via*  Smiles  in  religious  Matter  !  When  it  is  no- 
4t  toriousjthat  he  himfelf  not  only  fmil'd  but  laughNi 
u  heartily  over  his  Converts,  even  while  they  wet e 
41  under  a  preparatory  Work  of  the  Law,  and  his 
4t  followers  nave  practifed  upon  him,  and  not  been 

4i  afham'd  to  exprefstheir  Joy  at, by  loud  .laugh- 

c<  ing  even  in  the  Solemn  Ailcmblies.  Is  not  this 
H  ludere  cum  Sacrh,  ?  an  unjuftiftablc  Practice  in  one 
*•  as  well  as  another. 

«  And 


The  Examine*  Examine*.      135 

«  And  is  not  this  Pi acticr  exactly  correfpondenc 
f*  with  the  Practice  of  Mr.  <7.  and  other  heady  Itine- 
**  rants j  which  creep  into  Ecufes  and  have  had  mofi 
u  Succefs  among   Temaks  and  young  ignorant  People. 

"  The  whole  Paflage  is  fo  very  applicable  to  Iti- 
"  nerants  in  general,  That  I  mould  have  taken  it  for 
*'  a  Reprefentation,  (not  to  fay  Refutation  of  their 
"  Conduct)  i  Mr.  !T.  had  not  taught  me  to  apply  it  to 
"  the  A.oraviaps." 

Jnfvu.  Here  let  the  Reader  qbferve,  that  the  Ex- 
aminer mifreprefenrs  my  meaning,  and  has  left  out 
a  pretty  deal  that  ierves  to  explain  it ;  he  lay s,  I  com- 
plain cf  the  Moravian  Smiles  in  religious  Matters:  But 
this  is  a  falfe  Charge,  it  is  only  their  abufe  of  them 
that  I  complain  of,  and  not  the  mecr  XJfc  of  them  in 
religious  Matters ;  namely,  their  trying  to  infinuate 
thcmfclves  into  Peoples  Affection  by  them,  thro* 
fhews  of  Love,  and  fo  to  draw  them  into  Error, 
while  in  the  mean  Time  they  conceal  their  Princi- 
ples, until  the  Affections  are  fixed. 

If  the  Heart  is  fill'd  wkh  Love  and  Joy,  it  will 
paturally  make  the  face  Serene.  And  have  I  fmil'd 
and  laugh'd  hcratily  over  my  Converts,  (or  People 
wro't  upon  by  my  Mini(try)  while  under  a  prepa- 
ratory Work  of  che  Law  :  Weil,  and  where  is  the 
Harm  of  it,  it  fhew*d  that  I  was  glad  that  poor  fin- 
ders were  in  a  likely  way  to  come  to  Chrift  :  And 
wou'd  our  Author  have  me  to  be  forry  upon  fuch 
an  Occafjon  f  Qod  forbid  !  I  wou'd  rather  immkate 
thi  Example  of  our  Lord,  who  tho  a  Man  of  Sorrows 
and  acquainted  with  Grief,  yet  rejo'ye'd  in  Spirit  at  fuch 
an  event,  viz.  When  Satan  fell  as  Lightning  from  heaven. 

And  here  let  ic  be  noticed,  by  the  by,  that  I  am 
Honoured  with  another  Teftimony  from  our  Examiner, 
to  the  Succefs  of  my  Miniftry,  for  it  feems,  even 
according  to  his  own  acknowledgment,  that  fame  were 
kyough  under  a  Work  of  tie    Law  by  my  Labours. 

As  to  laughing  loud  in  Religious  y.Jfemblies,  if  any  have 
been  guilty  of  it,  I  will  not  undertake  to  be  their 
Patron., in  that  I  think  it  is  indecent  and  of  bad  Re- 

M 


154-  The  Examiner  Examined 
pprt.  But  to  fhew  the  Examiners  unfair  dealing  un- 
this  Head  of  Charge,  I  will  cite  the  whole  Para- 
graph he  refers  to,  See  Moravian  Sermon  page  106. 
the  Words  are  thefe,  viz..  "  Don't  the  Moravians  be- 
M  gin  with  the  Affe&ions  firft  ?  and  is  this  fair  Deal- 
"  ing  ?  Do  they  not  endeavour  to  infinuate  thcmr 
*<  ielves  into  Peoples  Affections  firft,  by  Smiles  and 
"  foft  Difcouries  about  the  Love  of  Christ, 
«*  and  by  a  feemingly  innocent,  fimple  and  loving 
**  Behaviour,  while  in  the  mean  Time  they  care- 
"  fully  hide  their  Principles  until  the  Affections  are 
u  catch*d,  and  then  let  them  out  by  Degrees  ?  Should 
ff  not  they  ftiow  their  Principles  firft,  before  the 
<i  Affections  are  fix'd,  that  fo  People  might  judge 
t*  of  them  wjthcalmnefs  and  impartiality  V 

As  to  the  next  particular  of  Charge,  viz.  Creeping 
into  Houfesj  &c.  I  atifwer  that  his  Application  is 
unjuji  and  untrue :  Neither  I  nor  any  of  my  Brethren 
Jpave  crept  into  Nou[es,  &c.  Inftead  of  fculking  and  un- 
derhand Methods,  we  have  deciar'd  our  religious  Sen- 
timents freely  on  all  proper  Occafions,  and  in  the 
opened  Manner  poffible,  before  the  greateft  con- 
courfes  of  learned  and  unlearned  Men  that  ever  Ame- 
rica, has  feen  of  a  Religious  kind. 

Neither  has  our  Succcfs,  thro  divine  Grace,  been 
confined  to  Females  and  young  ignorant  People,  but  has 
extended  to  Perfons  of  almoft  every  age,  order  and 
cotadkion  of  Life,  learned  and  unlearned,  rich  and 
poor,  old  and  young,  Honourable  and  ignoble, 
male  and  female,  tho'  in  the  mean  time  we  look 
upon  the  Conversion  of  Females  and  ignorant  Perfons, 
to  be  a  Matter  of  infinite  Importance,  and  do  glo- 
rify God  upon  the  Account  thereof. 

And  here  let  the  Reader  obferve  another  Tefti- 
mony  to  our  Succefs  from  the  Pen  of  an  Oppofer, 
and  that  even  when  he  is  trying  to  run  us  and  it 
down,  and  that  exprefly  contrary  to  what  he  has  faid 
page  24.  in  thefe  Words,  And  pray  what  good  dp  the 

Itinerants 


The  Examiner  Examined  155 
Irinerajits  do  by  their  Traveling,  twlefs  it  be  good  to  fow 
Tares,  to  corrupt  and  divide  religious  People. 

But  we  proceed  to  his  28  pag.  where  he  quotes 
the  following  Words  from  my  Moravian  Sermon, 
p.  107.  "  Anp^  don't  they  refufe  generally  to  ieafon 
*«  upon  Points  in  Religion,  whereby  one  might  con- 
"  vince  another*  and  leave  People  to  be  profelyted 
4<  by  fight  ondv  !  It  is  politick  in  them  indeed  to 
«*  wave  Rcafomng  and  to  fliun  Difcovery,  for  their 
'«  Principles  will  bear  neither. 

In  the  oppofite  Column  the  Examiner  fpeaks  thus, 
viz.  f*  This  Rev.  Gentleman  had  forgot  furely  the 
•'  Motto  of  his  own  Party,  viz.  Jnfwer  him  not  a  Wordy 
"  when  he  whote  this,  it  is  thought  by  fome  that  their 
"   Strength  was  herein. 

jnfw.  I  can't  be  faid  to  forget  that  which  I  never 
knew.  Thecontroverfal  Writings  that  fome  of  us 
have  make  publick,  do  declare  to  the  World,  that 
•what  has  been  now  laid  is  not  our  Motto,  and  I  hope 
thefe  Sheets  will  convince  the  Examiner  that  it  is 
not  mine. 

But  it  feems  indeed  that  our  Author  was  of  Opi- 
nion ,  that  jin/wer  him  not  a  fFcrdj  was  our  Motto, 
other  wife  how  could  he  ran  i'uch  Lengths  as  he  has 
done  in  his  Performance. 

The  next  Paflage  that  the  ExMiifatt  quotes  from 
mv  Moravian  Sermon  is  p.  65.  tiie  Words  are  thefe , 
*'My  Soul  is  greived  to  fee  the  childifh  Ficklenefs 
11  of  the  Sons  and  Daughters  of  this  Generation 
**  who  are  tofs'd  about  with  every  Wind  of  Doc- 
"  trine  ;  who  are  fmil'd  out  of  their  Religion* 
44  without  being  able  to  offer  one  folid  Reafon  for 
"  their  Change. 

Upon  the  oppofite  Column  to  which,  he  fnys, 
u  Even  fo  many  judicious  and  ferious  Chriftians 
"are  grieved  at  the  Heart  to  fee  the  childifh  Fickel- 
■■  nefs  of  many  Profeilors  at  this  Day,  who  are  as 
*4  Children  toffed  to  and  fro>  and  carried  about  with  diverfe 
*l  andjlrangi  Voffrimsj  feparating  themjelves  and  having 

«  Men's 


1^6         TheExAMIMBR     EXAMINBD. 

"  Mens    Perfons   in   Admiration ;    without  being  able 
4t  to  offer  one  f olid  Reafon  for  their  Change. 

Jnfw.  How  unjufl  and  unreafonable  is  the  Examiners 
Application  of  the  aforefaid  Paragraph  to  me,  and 
fuch  as  join  with  me,  as  it  is  evident  he  does,  from 
the  general  Title  of  this  Head  of  Charges  before 
related.  Wherein  have  I  in  particular  been  carried 
about  with  every  Wind  of  DcBrine,  or  foarated  myfelf\ 
having  Mens  Perfons  in  Admiration  ?  ills  true  indeed 
/  cant  give  a  [olid  Reafon  for  my  Change ,  becaufe  I 
have  fuffer'd  none.  Will  this  Author  tell  us  how  I 
have  been  fmil'd  out  of   my   Religion  ? 

Pray  does  the  Examiner  mean  by  Strange  Doclrines 
the  Doctrines  of  Grace ,  namely  of  original  Sin,  Juftifi- 
cation  by  the  righieoufnefs  of  Grift  alone,  the  New-fiirth9 
the  Perfeverance  of  the  Saints,  are  thefe  Strange  to 
him?  If  fo  Pm  forry  for  it :  But  I'm  fure  they  arc 
not  fo  to  the  rejtrm  d  Churches,  as  appears  by  the  har- 
mony of  their  Confeflions  of  Faith.  Now  thefe  are 
the  Do&rines  that  ourfclves  and  hearers  have  been 
chiefly  affected  with,  and  influenced  by.  And  is  the 
Examiner  forry  for  that,  then  he  himfelf  is  an  object 
of  Pitty,  and  fo  are  thofe  whom  he  calls  judicious  and 
ferious  Chriftians,  if  they  join  with  him  therein. 

As  to  tne  Accufation  of  having  Mens  Per fons  in  Ad- 
miration, I  hope  I  may  fay  in  behalf  of  my  fclf  and 
Brethren,  that  the  chief  Reafons  why  we  admire 
Perfons  arc  their  Goodnefs  and  Ufefulnefs  to  the 
Church  of  God,  and  that  it  is  our  defire  and  endea- 
vour in  the  general,  to  proportion  Our  efteem  to 
the  Degrees  thereof.  As  to  the  Charge  of  Separation 
it  has  been  before  anfwercd. 

But  our  Examiner  in  the  mean  'Time  feems  to  be 
realy  guilty  of  what  he  without  Foundation  char- 
ges upon  us,  in  as  much  as  by  this  Performance 
he  teems  to  admire  thofe,  who  oppofe  the  Power  of 
Religion  this  Way,  and  who  hold,  fome  of  them, 
thefe  Strange  Doctrines,  viz.  Zhat  ConviiBion  ts  not 
neceffary  to  Converfan.  That  there  is  no  inward  call  to  the 
Minijlryi   and  the    Notion  of  the  rigid  Indebenaants 

and 


The  Examiner,  Examined.  137 
and  Brc<wnift>  reflecting  the  Peoples  Relation  10 
their  Paftor,  'viz.  that  it  is  equal  to  that  of  a  Marriage  Con- 
trati :  And  who  have  feparated  themlelves.--And  thus 
our  Author  appears  to  be  guilty  of  admiring  of  Perfons 
in  the  worft  Senfe. The  next  Paflage  our  Au- 
thor quotes  from  Moravian  Sermon,  is  p.  $8. 
"  Children  are  fond  of  new  Things,  that  look  bright 
"  tho*  ot  little  Value :  Thus  Novices  in  Chriftia- 
*c  liny  who  are  juft  beginning  the^Chriftian  Courfe, 
"  ignorant  in  a  great  Meafure,  as  to  "Chriftian 
a  Principles,  but  full  of  Affection  and  felf  Con- 
41  ceit,  when  a  Moravian  comes  among  them,  fitts 
*'  down  a  while,  and  look  very  Harmlefs,  Innocent 
*•*  and  Sober,  gives  fome  fmiles,  and  talks  about  the 
"  Blood  of  Chrift,  in  their  Myftical  Way,  and  of 
•  u  Love,  Love.  O  brave,  O  what  a  fincMan  is  this)" 

In  the  oppofite  Column  we  have  thefe  Words 
of  the  Examiner,  viz.  "  It  is  a  moving  Argument, 
**  and  Proof  that  People  are  not  fo  well  taught  in 
"  this  Land  as  is  pretended,  but  have  now  as-much 
*'  need  as  ever  to  have  their  Minds  inftrucfeed  as  well 
"  as  their  Pafhons  mov'd.— The  Image  is  very  Strong 
"  and  lively/9 

Anjvi.  The  Examiners  applying  to  us,  the  Mora- 
vians My  (Heal  Way  of  talking  about  the  Blood  of 
Chrift,  is  fo  falfe  and  trifling  that  it  deferves  no  An- 
fwer  :  Our  Author  was  exceedingly  ftraitned  here, 
for  the  want  of  Matter,  arid  well  he  might  if  he 
has  any  remains  of  Conicience  in  him. 

But  the  Examiner  proceeds  to  quote  a  Paragraph 
from  my  Moravian  Sermon  p.  107.  which  runs  thus. 
**  Certainly  we  ihould  adhere  inviolably  to  the  Prin- 
*c  ciples  we  have  been  inftru&ed  in,  until  we  find 
"  better,  which  we  fhould  be  always  ready  to  re- 
*<  ceive  upon  proper  Conviclion,  which  is  not  to  be 
*'  attain'd  by  a  fight  of  the  Grimaces  of  Strangers 
"  or  by  immediate  Revelations  or  Enthufiafms,  but 
"  by  Scripture,  Reafon  and  Argument."  And  p. 
52.  I  direct  to  hold  faftCH  rist's  precious  Truth, 
thus.  "  It  is  needful  to  wave  a  pofitive  Conclufion 
M  refpe&ing  the  Good  State  of  Strangers,  when  we 
£  «  have 


i ;S  The Exaiuner,  Examiner-. 
"  have  not  fuffieiem  Evidences  for  it  in  rcfpeft 
"  of  cheir  Principles,  Experiences  and  Practice. 
;  R'fo  )ud'j;ing  either  Way  is  cer  ainly  unreaionable 
«'  and  prejudicial,  when  Perfons  do  fpeedily  wiih- 
"  out  fufficient  Reafon,  conclude  Strangers  who 
4t  come  among  them  to  be  Pious  and  perhaps  emi- 
€t  nently  fo,  becaufe  of  their  fair  Appearances  in 
"  Behaviour,  wi  houi  examining  their  Principles; 
<*  by  thi.  rafli  Method  of  proceeding  their  Affe&U 
«  ons  are  ape  to  be  unreafon<tbly  enaag'd  in  their 
«  Favour,  and  theie  being  inflam'd  do  give  a  fecret 
"  wrong  B^afs  to  their  Judgment," and  thus  they 
«  lav  tbemfelves  open   to  ail   Manner  of  Deiufion." 

After  which  the  Examiner  obferves  as  follow  s,  viz. 
M  I  am  confident  the  impartial  Reader  is  fully  con- 
«  vinced  by  this  time,  that  Mr.  Vennent  has  drawn 
««  his  own  Picture  to  the  Life,  by  the  Repiefenta- 
««  tion  he  has  given  of  the  Principles  and  Practices 
«  of  the  A^orauansy  and  that  \  have  only  fee  thd 
«c  Mirror  in  iuch  a  Poiirion  that  fie  and  his  Adhe- 
<<  rents  may  fee  themfelves,  and  be  afliamed.  Rut 
««  if  they  are  blinded  with  Self-love,  Admiration, 
"  Conceit,  Party- Zeal,  and  the  like,  and  wriil  not^ 
«  or  cannot  fee  their  own  Likenefs  ;  I  believe  o- 
«  thers   have   fo   much  of   a  opiiit   of  difcerning, 

«  as  to  fee  :hat    M.  ^T t  and   his   Bartizans  as 

*«  nearly  refemble  the  Character  here  given  of  the 
«  Aoravians,  as  one  Crows  Egg  dees  another  (to  ufe  hi^ 
«  own   homely  Companion.) 

yitifiv.  If  the  Reader  had  no  other  Reprefentation 
of  the  Cafe,  then  that  '  Fartial  one  which  the  Exa-K 
winer  has  given  in  his  Performance,  he  might  proba- 
bly be  enduced  to  think  hard  of  me,  and  that  I  was 
incot-iifierit  with  my  felf  \  for  tho'  there  be  little  re- 
gard to  tfruth  and  Candor  in  our  Authors  Compofure, 
yet  feveralStroaks  in  it  aremanag'd  with  much  Art 
nui  apparent  Plaufibility.  I  cannot  but  think  that 
the  Examiner  is  a  Gentlemen  of  Wit  and  Addrefs, 
other  wife  hecou'd  not  have  mana^'d  fo  well  fo  bad  a 
Caufc  as  he  has  done,  but  'tis  Pitty  his  Talents  are 
-  not 


The  Examiner    Examined.        139 

not  turned  into  another  Channel,  that  might  becter 
ferve  the  Interefis  of  frtfh  and  Rehjicn9  as  well 
as  lus  own   Reputation. 

The  Jjirrbr  our  Author  has  fet  before  the  Rea- 
der, is  but  fome  broken  Pieces  fet  in  a  wrong  Situa- 
tion, which  ferve  only  to  deceive  the  Mind  with 
falfe  Images  of  Perfons  and  Things. 

It  is  true  lam  ajhatnd,  when  I  read  his  Perfor- 
mance, but  not  for  my  Self  but  him  On  the  con- 
trary I  think  I  am  honour'd,  when  traduced  for  the 
Sake    cf  Truth  and  Piety. 

The  Conclufion  of  the  aforefaid  Paragraph  is  as 
falfe  as  ever  any  thing  was  true,  namely,  tfhat  I  and 
my  PartiXans  (as  he  is  pleas'd  to  term  my  dear  and 
reverend  Brethren)  as  neerly  referable  the  Character 
-i«jen  of  the  Moravians,  as  cne  Crow  s  Egg  does  a ~ 
toother.  If  the  whole  Paragraph  be  considered,  it  will 
appear  that  in  this  Sentence  the  Examiner  has  a  Rcf- 
ference,  to  all  that  he  had  cited  from  my  Sermons 
refpecting  the  Moravians.  Here  obferve  this  Gen- 
tleman is  Positive  that  the  Similitude  is  as  exact  as 
any  Thing  can  be*  but  under  the  particular  Heads 
of  Charge  in  fes'eral  of  his  Columns,  the  judicious 
Reader  may  perceive,  that  fometimes  he  varies  in  the 
Application,  leaves  out  fome  things  altogether,  and 
alters  others  to  fuit  his  Defign  ;  and  in  iome  L\ 
h«  is  Indiff inft  and  General  and  fpeaks  but  a"  very 
little,  leaving  large  Blanks  (and  perhaps  it  would 
have  been  more  to  his  Credit  ir  it  had  been  all  a 
Blank.)  How   inconfiltent  are  thefe  Things? 

He  fays  //  ive  are fo  blinded ',  &*c.  that  we  <vi!l  not  or 
cannot  fee  our  own    Likenefs.     He  believes   ethers 
fo  much  of  a  Spirit  of  dtfeerning,  as  to  fee  the   Rcfetnblwe 
is  as  exabi  as  that  of  cne  Crow's  Egg  to  another. 

Anftifi  A  true  Spirit  of  difcerning  will  perceive 
as  much  Difference  between  the  two,  (if  I  maybe 
-allowed  to  ufe  another  homely  Simile)  as  between 
an  Jppli  and  an  Oyfler^  or  rather  as  between  black 
ahdubite.  To'  apprehend  as  he  does,  requires  not 
right  difcerriing  ot  ttuedt/linguifohig)  but  a  PerVerfion 


14°  The  Examiner,  Ex  a  mined. 

of  the  Sight,  either  thro'  a  defedt  of  the  optick  Or- 
gans, or   by  this  falfe    Mirror  he  prefents. 

However  if  the    Examiner  will  not  be  offended,, 

I  will  beg  leave  to  ufe  the  homely  Words,  he  com- 
plains of,  once  more  in  the  following  Manner,  viz. 
%fokt  I  -am  apt  to  think  that  by  this  Vime  the  impartial 
Reader  may  perceive  as  great  a  resemblance  between  the- 
Examiner  and  the  Oppofers  of  God's  Work  here,  in 
divers  Particulars,  as  between  one  Crow's  Egg  and 
another. 

But  I  haften  to  confider  the  next  Paragraph  in 
his  goth.  p.  which  runs  thus.  M  The  Reader  may 
<l  take  this  Examination  as  an  Help  to  difcover 
'*  what  is  forth  in  the  late  Religious  Commotion  in  this 
"  Country,  and  he  will  find  it  to  be  jiift  that 
"  which  the  Oppofers,  Co  called,  are  zealous  to 
"  maintain,  viz,,  the  Order  of  the  Gofpel,  and  the 
H  facred  Honours  due  to  the  holy  Spirit  of  God. 
"  Strip  this  Work  of  its  Extraordinarier,  and  you 
"  will  difcern  what  is  theWork  of  God,  from  that  which 

II  is  added  to  it  by  Art  and  Mans  Device.  Pray 
"  what  is  there  Extraordinary  on  one  fide  more  than 
11  t'other,  but  what  is  juttly  to  be  exploded,  viz. 
"  extraordinary  Errors,  Diforders,  Intrufions,  rafli 
"  Cenfures,  Clamorous  Exclamations,  vain-glorious  \ 
u  Boaftings,  Fits,  Pretence  of  Sights  and     Vifions* 

M  Roarings,  Tremblings,   &c.  Compare  Mr.  2" 

"  with  himfelf,  and  fhave  oft  his  Extraordinaries 
•«  (turning  the  Edge  of  his  own  Weapon  onhim- 
"  felfj  and  his  Strength  will  go  from  him,  and  he 
*  *  will  be  like  any  other  Mm  ',  a  Man  fubjeB  to  like 
**  Pafpcns  as  we  are.  I  can't  find  but  that  the 
**  Neiv- Brunfwick  Party  are  fallible  as  other  Men, 
*«  and  chargeable  with  as  many  Errors,  Intrufi- 
**  ons,  Contradictions,  &Pc.  as  their  Neighbours, 
"  whom  they  are  ready  to  condemn  as  Enemies  cf 
"  God's  Work  and  Enemies  cf  Religion  meerly  for  op- 
"  poling  their  Errors  and  real  Indifcretions : 
"  Whereas  the  true  Intereft  of  Religion  is  doubt- 
"  lei*  ferv'd  by  fiich   Oppoficion. 


The  Exa 'miner,  Examined  141 

"  I  know  no  ftorter  Method  to  open  the  Eyes  of 
li  blind  Party-Zealots,  and  convince  them  of  the  bad 
"  Tendency  of  extraordinary  Self-Conceit,  Domi- 
«  nion,rafli  Judging,  Qpc.  than  to  bring  them  home 
"  to  their 'own  Doors,  and  turn  thefe  Edge-Tools 
«  upon  themfelves;  prove  them  now  herewith,  and 
"  you  will  find  thefe  crucified  Gentlemen  have 
«'  yet  as  much  Senfadon  and  are  as  ready  to  cry  out 
"  of  Danger  as  any  of  their   abufed    Neighbours. 

"  The  Moravians  it  feems  treated  Mr.  tfennent  in 
"  the  fame  uncharitable,  cenforious,  imperious,  4U 
"  vifive  Manner  in  which  he  himfeif  has  treated 
u  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Generation,  and  then 
"  the  Spirit  appears  to  him  in  a  moft  frightful  Shape, 
"  and  muft  be  avoided.  Now  it  is  come  upon  thety 
"  thufainteji:  Jnd  it  toucheth  thee ',  and  thou  art  trou- 
«  hied. 

In  Anfwer  to  what  has  been  faid,  let  me  brief- 
ly obferve,  that  if  any  Body  wants  to  entertain 
prejudice  againft  the  late  glorious  revival  of  Religion 
in  this  Land,  or  an  unjuft  Notion  of  the  greatnefs 
of  it,  the  Examiner's  Performance  may  be  fome 
help  that  Way  in  refpect  of  fome  Stroaksthat  are  in  ir. 

However  it  fhould  be  remark'd  for  the  Honour 
of  the  late  revival  of  Piety,  that  while  our  Author 
is  induftrioufly  painting  it  in  a  Sable  drefs,  he  is 
conftrain'd  to  confefs  in  this  Paragraph  that  there 
was  fome  reality  in  it,  which  he  terms  the  Order 
ef  the  Go/pel  and  the  [acred  Honours  due  to  the  holy  Spirit 
<rf  God. 

And  while  the  Examiner  propofes  this  Queftion 
viz,  What  is  extraordinary  upon  one  fide  more  than  ano- 
ther? He  hereby  allows  an  equality  of  Succefs  in 
preaching  as  to  Succefs,  between  the  Friends  and  Op- 
tcfers  of  the  late  Reformation  of  Religion,  then  by 
an  unavoidable  confequence,  our  Author  muft  either 
deny  that  they  had  any  Succefs  at  all,  (which  I  &p- 
pofe  he  wou'd  be  loin  to  do)  or  acknowledge  ours, 
I  fee  not  how  he  can  get  clear  of  this  Dilemma. 

But 


14*     The  E  x  a  m  i  N  i:  R  ,  E  x  a  m  i  N  r  d  . 

But  in  the  mean  Time  while  be  owns  ibme  reali- 
ty in  it  he  puts  a  bear  Skin  over  it,  and  talks 
of  fomethini!  added  to  it  by  jirt  and  Man's  Levifey 
and  then  repeats  bis  thread  bareCatalogue  of  frightful 
Things,  extraordinary  Errors  ^  QPc.  Qpc.  &>c.  W  hich 
has  been  before  conhdered.  It's  true  indeed  the  Bear 
Skin  he  mentions  is. added  to  the  late  IVirk,  by  rfrt 
and  Man's  Deiife.  Let  it  be  rtrip'd  of  thofe  faife  Co- 
loursy  and  then  it  will  appear  in  its  own  native  Beauty  : 
And  unlefs  he  deals  with  it  as  its  ftory'd  of  the 
Tyrant  Procrujles,  who  cut  off  Men's  Legs  to  make 
them  of  an  equal  Length,  he  cannot  bring  the 
Succefsof  Itinerants  do&n  to  a  Level,  with  that  of. 
Oppofers. 

it  the  Oppofers  had  been  Zealous  to  maintain  the 
honours  of  the  holy  Spirit  there  wou'd  be   no  Debate 
fubfifting  among   us  refpe&ing  the  late  Reformatio?.. 
But  pray    why  does  the   Examiner  put  the  Order  of 
the  Gofpel{{6  call'd)   before  thefacred  Honours  due  to  the 
holy  Spirit.     By  this  unreafonable  Precedence  it  i'eems 
that  our   Author  perferrs  Externals  before  the  Life  of 
Piety,   which  is  frnfui  and  Scandalous:  Buc  bec.tufc 
the  Examiner  and  his   Brethen  talk  of  Order  (ufyue  ad- 
vavim)  ib  much,  I  will  beg  Leave  to  eke   a  PalTage 
upon  this   Head,  from  the  Works  of  excellent  and 
judicious  Mr.  Flave  l  ,  in  his  Husbandry  fpiriiuliz\' 
Volum  2.  p.  307.  of  the  4th  Edition,  upon  an  excel- 
lent    but     irregular    ^Jne,    "  Seeing    a   Tree   grow 
<«  fomewhat     Irregular  in  a   very   neat  Orchard,  I 
it  told  the  Owner  it  was  Pitty  that  Tree  fhould 
"  ftand  there,  and   that  if   it    were  mine  1   would 
*«  root  it  up,  and  thereby   reduce  .the  Orchard   to 
«  exact  uniformity.    Ic  was  reply 'd  to  this  purpofe* 
«<  That  he  rather  regarded  the  Fruit  then  the  Form  jf 
"  and  that  this  flight  inconveniency  Was  abundantly 
(«  preponderated  by  a  more  confiderable  Advantage.. 
««  This  Tree,  faid  he,   which  you  wou'd  root  up 
"  hath  yielded  me  more  Fruit    then  many  of  thofe 
«c  Trees,  which  have  nothing  eife  to  commend  them 
«  but  their   regular  Situation.    I    could  not   but 

yield 


ThcExAHINEK,   ElAMlNlB.         I45 

M  yie.d  to  die  Kcafou  ctthis  Anfwer  ;  and  could 
*<  v-ifh  i[  had  been  fpoken  fo  loud  that  all  our  unl- 
"  ivnnty  fan  had  beard  it,  who  will  np:  flick  to 
m  root  up  many  Hundred  of  [he  beft  bearers  in 
««  :he  Loir's  Orchard,  becaufe  they  ftand  not  in 
«c  an  exact  order  with  other  more  conformable, 
"  hue  Ida  beneficial  Trees,  who  do  perdere  Subftan- 
«'  tiam  propter  ^':ciae?Jtia,  deftroy  the  Fruit  to  pre- 
j«  ferve   .he   Form. 

t      u:h  unake  fitch  ftolifo  Men  are  ihfe, 
*'  c'<:.t  Jinve  for  Shadows  and  their  Subfiance  loofe. 

,e  Examiners  complifance  to  me,  in   pro- 
\z  ufr  of  the  Rajor,  I  would  beg  Leave  to 
re,   that  I  neirher  have,   or  ever  had,  Juch  a, 
mcnfirous   Beard  of Ey.traordtnariesy  as  he  talks   of. 

1  /mill  make  bold  to  tell  the  Examiner^ that 

:  a  very  long  Beard,  the  Hairs  of  Falfhood 

(tick     out   fo    long  upon     it,    that 

ii  is   1  I    wou'd    dvife   him  therefore  to  be 

lhaven  as  foon   as  may   be  for  his  own  Credit  and 

Comfort. 

As  to  that  of  turning  the  Edge  cf  my  U  eaten  upon 
?vy  felfy  the  Lxamtner  has  try'd  artfully  and  induitri- 
oully  the  Method  he  propofes,  but  I  am  no:  fen- 
flble  that  the  I  rf.ct  he  men. ions  has  been  the  Iflue; 
of  it,  viz.   tfhat  my  tir°ncti  i-  gone  from  me. 

The     h'ev.''hn:?.fiJik    Ic.rty    (as    he    calls  them) 

have  never  pie. cticcd  to   infallibility,- and  as  to 

his  Charge  of  Errors  and  y.tnfi.ns,  Qr-c.  it  has  been  be- 
fore conudered.  Bui  wh.le- oar  Author  afTertsthat 
the  heiu- Erur.f-J.uk  Part) ,  are  chargeable  &Hh as  ma- 
ny Errors,  fattufcnSj  Cintraditiionsy&c.  as  their  Weigh" 
bcurs.  b>ct\  g  l  a!  i.e  bciieves  theaforefaid  Accufa- 
tion5  are  teaiy  ap|  iicableto  us,ciofn't  he  declare  by 
the  fame  Breath,  hat  his  Bear  Brethren  the  Oppo- 
fers  here,  re  equally  guilty  of  them  in  hit  Opinion, 
if  fo  why  noes  he  fo  partially  prefer  them  be- 
fore us  i  as  appears  from  divers  Paflages  of  his  Per- 
formance, and  particularly  from  the  following  Para* 
graph  in  which  ihcExamimr  calls  as  blind  Party  Zealots. 

Jn'iv. 


144    T^e  Examiner,    Examined. 

Jnfiv.  We  are  obliged  to  our  Author  for  his 
kind  Compliments,  but  are  humbly  of  Opinion, 
that  it  is  proper  for  him  to  enquire  whether  there 
be  not  Reafon  to   apply  them   nearer   home  ? 

But  methinks   our  Authors  advice  in   refpect  of 

proving  us,    Qpc.  as   before    exprefs'd and  frying 

you  will  find  thefe  crucified  Gentlemen  have  as  much 
Senfation  and  are  as  ready  to  cry  out  of  Danger  as  any 
of  their  Neighbours,  fomewhat  reiembles  Satans  Pro- 
poial concerning-^.  Job  1.  9.  16.  11.  then  Satan  an- 
fwered  the  Lord  and  J aid ,  doth  Job  fear  God  for  nought , 

haft  thou  not  made  a   Hzdge   about  him but  put  forth 

thine  Hand  now  and  touch  all  that  he  hath,  and  he  will 
cttrfe  thee  to  thy  Face.  But  the  Examiner  knows  that 
after  a  moft  formidable  Tryal,  when  even  Heaven 
it  felf  lowr'd,  and  Earth  and  Hell  combin'd  in  a 
eruel  Confederacy  againft  him  ;  when  the  mod  dif- 
trefiing  &  gloomy  Train  of  complicated  Calamities  of 
of  various  Forms,  rold  upon  him  in  a  thick  and  in- 
ceflant  Succeflion,  his  gallant  noble  Soul  preferv'd 
its  integrity  and  flood  firm  as  an  impregnable  Rock 
amidft'the  boyfterous  Billows,  which  with  unfriend- 
ly Violence  in  vain  effay'd  to  difturb  its  repofe 
and  Security.  In  a  Word,  the  IlTue  prov'd,  God 
himfelf  being  Judge,  that  the  Accufer  of  the  Brethren 
was  not  able  to  maintain  his  envious  Charge. 

lean  with  integrity  of  Heart  aflure  our  Author 
that  I  do  not  cry  out  of  Danger,  on  the  Account  of  any 
Treatment  I  have  received  of  the  Moravians,  but 
becaufe  of  the  Hurt  they  are  doing  to  the  Church  of 
God.  I  am  thro'  Mercy  fo  far  from  fainting  upon 
that  Account  that  it  dofn't  create  the  leaft  uneafi- 

nefs  in  me. 

O  but  the  old  Story  comes  over  again,  that  I  have 
treated  the  Body  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Generation  in  an  un- 
charitable Manner,  &c.  Why  didn't  he  fay  unconverted 
Mnifiersy  for  fure  that  is  the  Cafe,  O  No  /  that 
woudn't  Anfwer  his  and  his  Friends  Purpofe, 
for  then  ,  the  nakednefs  and  naughtinefs  of  their 
Caufe  in  defending  the  ungodly  Miniftry,  would 

be 


The  ExAMlKEH,ExAMlNf.D,  14  V 

be  open  to  every  Eye,  and  therefore  they  give  ic 
an  artful  turn,  in  order  to  hide  its  fihhy  Face 
from  the  common  People,  and  harp  often  upon  [his 
plaufibly  String,  thar  I  treat  uncharitably  arid  ccufo- 
rioufly  the  Bcdy  of  the  Clergy,  tie  to>.y  of  the  Clergy 
i>f this  Generation  :  Why  what's  the  Matter,  do  I  fpeak 
a  Word  againft  converted  AJntflcrs  in  the  Noting- 
ham  Sermon,  no  not  a  Word.  What  need  chey  then 
take  in  fuch  great  Dudgeon  what  I  fpeak  againft  un- 
godly Minifters  in  general.  Except  they  be  fuch 
themfelves  they  fhoudn't  apply  k,  but  if  the  Ca- 
racters  mention'd  in  the  Sermon  foil  their  Caie  and 
Courfe,  in  its  main  Stroaks  pretty  exactly,  why  then 
indeed  they  ought  to  apply  it,  but  kindly,  and 
humbly  pray  for  converting  Grace.  To  ufe  our 
Authors  Words,  when  the  h'ottn^ham  Sermon  touches 
them  why  do  they  taint  and  cry  out  of  Danger  \  Indeed 
if  they  find  themfelves  gracelels  and  cry  out  of  the 
Danger  of- their  own  prefent  State,  I  fhou'dn': 
find  fault  with  them  upon  that  Account  ;  but  for 
them  to  cry  out  of  Danger  in  Relation  to  the 
Church  of  God,  becaufe  the  unonverted  Clergy  are 
plainly  fpoke  againft,    is  very  prepofterous. 

What  wou'd  they  have  me  do,  fhould  I  fpeak 
well  of  gracelefs  Minifters,  when  fome  of  them 
cfpecially,  are  the  Bane  of  Religion,  the  Pert  of 
the  Church,  and  Burden  of  the  Creation  ?  In  this 
I  muft  beg  to  be  excufed. 

Our  Authors  laft  Paragraphs  are  fpent  in  cen- 
furing  Mr.  Davenport*  Clamorous  preach- 
ing in  Bojlon^  againft  unconverted  Minifters,  and 
ill  an  earneft  Advice  to  me  to  retract  the  RctingJ 
ham  Sermon. 

As  to  the  Manner  of  Mr.  Davenport's 
preaching  in  Boflon  againft  unconverted  Minifters,; 
not  having  heard  him  there,  nor  having  a  full  and 
certain  Information  on  both  Sides,  I  fhall  fay  no- 
thing to  it. 

But  in   regard  to  our  Authors  Advice  to  retract 

thfc  hotinqham  Sermon,  I,  muft  be^  to  be  exeus'd 

T  '  until 


14-6  The  Examiner  Examines 
until  I  fee  fome  Reafon  for  it.  The  Examine* 
calls  that  Sermon  an  Incendiary,  and  adjudges  it 
to  the  fire ,  hard  Words,  hard  Sentence  indeed, 
■why  is  rhere  no  good  in  it  at  all,  or  wou'd  he 
burn  the  Good  with  what  he  calls  bad,  and  is  this 
equitable  ?  I  humbly  conceive  pur  Author  is  mis- 
taken when  he  fays,  that  the  Notingham  Sermon 
caufes  Contentions  :  No,  the  true  Caule  is  gracelefs 
Minifters  oppofing  of  it.  Me  thinks  it  would  be 
more  to  their  Credit  prudently  to  let  it  alone 
upon  their  own  Account,  for  when  they  keep  mut- 
tering, growling  and  fcolding  at  it,  it  does  but  give 
People  Ground  tofufpect  they  are  of  that  unhap- 
py Tribe  and  Party  themfelves,  which  is  therein 
detected  and  cenfured. 

And  to  conclude  Sir,  I  beg  leave  to  return  your 
Compliment,  fo  far  as  to  advife  you  to  confider, 
if  your  prefent  Performance,  which  is  fill'd  with 
fo  many  unjuft  Invectives  againft  God's  Work  and 
Servants,  dofn't  deferve  a  hard  Fate,  but  I  am  not 
fo  earned  for  your  burning  it,  as  your  repenting 
over  your  Impiety  in  the  Compofureof  it, 

I  am  Sir, 

your  real  Friend,  tho*  unknown, 
G.  TENNENT, 
Philadelphia,  July 
the  nth,  17A3. 

Pride  goeth  befove  DeflruBion,  and  a  haughty  Spirit  h 
fore  a   Fall.     Prov.  16.  18. 
Nihil  unquam  tarn  impar  Jibi.      Hon 
Isiteris  tuepjfum  Chrijli  Submcrgere  Navh?? 
Fluttuat  at  nun  quam  mergitur  ilia  rates 

P.S.  That  Paflage  which  is  mention'dp.  121  of  Mr 
Davenports  mifcondu&at  Re<w- London,  has  been  ad- 
ded long  fince  the  Compofure  of  this  Performance 


V 


) 


■(.V 


tf 


1 


